The federal government announced they have banned direct passenger flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days due to rising COVID-19 variant cases. Earlier this year, Canada banned flights from the United Kingdom in an attempt to reduce the spread of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant.
This ban, effective Thursday (April 21, 2021) at 11:30 p.m. EST, will ban direct flights from India and Pakistan. Travellers who wish to travel to Canada from India and Pakistan must travel through a third country. In this third country, passengers will need to have a negative COVID-19 test result prior to boarding their flight for Canada. As with all air travellers at this time, individuals will need to test on arrival in Canada and quarantine at a government approved hotel for up to three days while waiting for their test result. After receiving a negative test result, travellers must complete their quarantine at a different location.
This decision was made amid growing concerns from politicians on the local, provincial, and federal level.
As we await further details from the federal government, we are happy to discuss solutions as travellers navigate this significant travel ban. If you, your family, or your business are affected by this travel ban, please contact our office.
