Canada lifts advisory on non-essential travel; Here’s what it means for India

However, for Indians, the stringent travel requirements remain the same. Passengers eligible to enter Canada will have to take a direct flight from India. Indian passengers must have proof of a negative Covid-19 test from an approved laboratory at the Delhi airport. The report must be taken no later than 18 hours before departure. Additionally, Indian passengers will have to submit the test report along with the QR code issued by the lab to the air operator before boarding.

Canada lifted a month-long ban on passenger flights from India in late September.

This week, ahead of Diwali, Air Canada has announced three flights per week from Delhi to Montreal from October 31. It has also increased the frequency of its flights between Toronto and Delhi to ten per week.

Air Canada said the thrice-weekly flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, departing Delhi at 1.55 am and Montreal at 8.10 pm. It will be served by a 298-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which offers three cabins of service – Air Canada Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

“From October 31, for the Diwali celebrations, Air Canada will offer three flights per week to the growing Indian community in Montreal,” Air Canada said.

Meanwhile, the Canadian government yesterday launched a standardized COVID-19 vaccine passport. The digital document will have a QR code for scanning at airports, train stations and other points of entry. The vaccine passport will include a person’s name, date of birth and COVID-19 vaccine history – including the dose a person received and when they were vaccinated.’

Canadians will not be able to board aircraft for foreign or domestic travel without a vaccination certificate starting November 30.