COVID-19: Passenger flights suspended from India and Pakistan

The Canadian government has introduced new rules limiting international travel from India and Pakistan for 30 days.

Key Points:

• Effective April 22, all direct commercial and private passenger flights from India and Pakistan are suspended for 30 days.
• Travelers from India or Pakistan can still fly indirectly to Canada via a third country; however, each traveler must obtain a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test from the intermediate country before entering Canada.
• Those wishing to enter Canada must adhere to previous travel requirements, including: submitting contact, travel, and quarantine information via ArriveCAN; pre-departure (air) or pre-arrival (land) testing; on-arrival testing; and a 14-day mandatory quarantine.

Background: Canada has seen a recent surge of COVID-19 cases. From Feb. 22 to April 19, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported that 1.4 percent of travelers entering the country tested positive for COVID-19. The 30-day suspension serves as a temporary measure put in place so the Canadian government can assess and evaluate the evolving situation both domestically and internationally.

Analysis & Comments: The restrictions will complicate travel from India and Pakistan to Canada. Those with urgent travel needs should work closely with their immigration provider to discuss the best available options. The response to COVID-19 continues to change, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

This alert was prepared by de Lint LLP, an independent immigration law firm, allied with Deloitte LLP in Canada.