No Direct Route, Indians Can Fly To Canada Via Third Country - Check New Travel Advisory

India has officially approached and requested the Canadian government for the restriction on direct flights from New Delhi to be lifted.

(Representative Image/Getty)

New Delhi: Despite the India-Canada flights standing suspended, people wishing to go to Canada from India can take an 'indirect route' and get tested for the Coronavirus in a 'third nation,' according to the country's new official travel advisory. 

Canada does not recognise the Covid-19 molecular test report from India. 

As reported by the Hindustan Times, the advisory read, "the Government of Canada has suspended flights from India until July 21, 2021. During that period, passengers who travel to Canada from India via an indirect route will need to obtain a pre-departure negative Covid-19 molecular test result from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada". 

All those who had earlier tested positive for Covid-19 and plan to travel from India to Canada must now show proof of a coronavirus positive test undertaken 14 to 90 days prior to departure, according to the advisory, which also states that travelers may need to obtain entry and stay in a third country for at least 14 days. 

These regulations create additional barriers for travelers who wish to go to Canada for educational, professional, or other purposes, as they require passengers to follow specific coronavirus-related measures while in a "third country." In addition to putting Indian passengers in a 14-day quarantine, several nations may completely bar them from entering if they have previously tested positive for Covid-19. There is also a chance they'll be sent back to the place where they started.

Furthermore, not all international airports in these 'third nations' offer Covid-19 testing, so travellers may need to look for testing services elsewhere once they arrive. 

India has officially approached and requested the Canadian government for the restriction on direct flights from New Delhi to be lifted. This ban has been in effect since April 22nd, and it has been increased twice. Unless the Department of Transportation grants the fourth extension, the existing prohibition will expire on July 21.

The decision was made in April, while India was dealing with a deadly second wave of the Covid-19 outbreak, and due to concerns in Canada about the Delta strain being spread by flight travelers.