After keeping the border closed for the previous 17 months, Canada is now opening up to travellers, but things are still not back to normal.

Why has Canada prolonged the restriction on direct flights from India again?

Canada is inviting passengers from the United States, where 100,000 new Covid cases are reported every day. Because it extends the restriction on direct flights from India, Indians must travel to a third nation where Indian flights are permitted and be tested there, as Canada will not accept Covid-19 molecular test reports from India.

The fifth extension is in four months.

Since April, the prohibition on direct Indian flights has been extended five times. The restriction was established in April in response to the pandemic’s second wave, and it was later extended. With the prohibition on direct flights being extended for the third time, Indian students who have been accepted to Canadian colleges and universities must take a connecting flight to Canada, where they must receive a negative RT-PCR certificate from a third nation, not India. That third country must be on Canada’s approved list.

Who is eligible to visit Canada?

Aside from fully vaccinated US nationals, Canada has also granted limited exemptions to other groups. Newly authorised immigrants and permanent residents of Canada can now

. Those who have received all of their vaccinations will not be required to quarantine.

What are the options for Indian students who want to study in Canada?

The Indian government has requested that the Canadian government ease the ban on direct flights in July, citing high demand for both directions. Ajay Bisaria, India’s high commissioner in Ottawa, met with executives from Air India and Air Canada. The diplomatic drive resulted in an inconvenient but necessary leeway for Indian students to enter Canada. Because Canada does not recognise Covid-19 molecular test findings from India, they must fly to a third country and get tested there. They will also be required to spend 14 days in the third country.

What does it mean to be “fully” vaccinated in the country Canada?

Right now, Canada considers you to be “fully” vaccinated if you have gotten the full recommended dose of a vaccine from a Health Canada-approved manufacturer. Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen are the four companies (Johnston & Johnson).

In addition, two weeks must have passed between your final injection or your attempted border crossing. Otherwise, you risk being labelled as “incompletely vaccinated.” This might result in you being turned away at the border or being placed in quarantine.

What if I wish to travel from India to Canada?

The direct flight ban between Canada and India has been extended until August 21. Travellers from India will have to take a detour and provide a negative COVID-19 test done within 72 hours of their departure in a third nation for the time being.

Is it necessary for me to quarantine?

It is debatable. Everyone who comes to Canada must still have a quarantine plan in place. Just in case the officer decides they need to isolate for 14 days. The authorities at the border make the final judgement about who should be quarantined.

Since we are talking about the quarantine, this is no longer required for properly vaccinated travellers who are not subject to travel restrictions as of July 5. Canadians, family members, workers, and international students are all spared. They are also excluded from day-eight testing, which is generally required of those in quarantine if they provide a negative COVID-19 test at the border.

Beginning August 9, the regulations will alter once more. Unless they are randomly tested, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to take the COVID-19 test at the border.

In addition, From August 9,  the mandated hotel quarantine will be lifted. Unvaccinated travellers will still need to remain in a government-approved hotel. This can happen while waiting for the results of their on-arrival test until then.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine be required for travel to Canada?

The answer to this question depends on your travel objective and whether you are exempt from travel restrictions. If you are coming for a medical emergency but are not completely vaccinated, according to the eyes of the authorities, you will almost certainly be subjected to quarantine and testing.

Right now, if you are visiting for a non-essential cause, such as tourism or shopping, you will need to be completely vaccinated.