The Canadian federal government issued a new directive today to halt all incoming direct flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days due to very high positive COVID-19 tests conducted at the Canadian border in recent days and weeks. The ban will begin Thursday, April 22 at 11:30 PM EST.
The news was announced at a press conference on Thursday evening.
“As we’ve seen with our third wave, the COVID-19 pandemic can change rapidly,” explained Transport Minister Omar Alghabra. “New variants can spread even faster than before and our health system is feeling even more pressure than ever before.”
What Does This Mean For International Students?
All travellers, including international students, are unable to fly directly to Canada from India or Pakistan until May 22 at the earliest.
If international students from India or Pakistan wish to enter Canada in the next 30 days, they must arrange an indirect flight.
Travellers departing India or Pakistan and arriving in Canada via a third country must present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival, which was taken at their last point of departure. Travellers will be denied entry into Canada without proof of a negative test result. This is in addition to previously announced requirements including:
- Be studying at a DLI with an approved readiness plan
- Have, or have been approved for, a valid study permit
- Be coming to Canada for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose
- Undergo a PCR test upon arrival at a Canadian airport
- While waiting for test results, students must quarantine for up to three days at a designated hotel at their own expense
- Complete the remainder of their 14-day quarantine
- Take an additional COVID-19 molecular test (if arriving by air) on day 10 of the 14-day quarantine
As has been recommended throughout the pandemic, keep monitoring the Government of Canada resources to stay informed of current requirements.
