READ THIS BEFORE PLANNING A TRIP TO INDIA

Okay, now that Canada has allowed direct flights from India since September 27 after a gap of more than five months, one can almost hear the collective sigh of Indo-Canadian relief.

But not so fast, folks. There are hurdles to cross still.

Going to India is easier for those with Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status. OCIs are entitled to a multi-purpose, multiple-entry visa, and one doesn’t have to undergo the inconvenience of applying for a visa.

E-visa facilities have been suspended by the Indian government, and those without an OCI status will have to go through the process of filing their applications through BLS International for a regular sticker visa.

Air-India and Air Canada offer daily direct flights between Delhi and Toronto/Vancouver. Indirect flights, via hubs in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, are also available to other destinations in India.

On your journey back from India to Canada on a direct flight, you will be required to have proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test from Genestrings Laboratory at the Delhi airport, the only one of its kind in India approved by the Canadian government, taken within 18 hours of your departure.

If you take an indirect route with a stopover in the Middle East or Europe, you will need a pre-departure negative COVID-19 molecular test result from that country before continuing your journey to Canada.

Tourists are not welcome in India due the pandemic, but Indo-Canadians without an OCI status can apply for a visit to meet family and friends via the Entry Visa route which has a three-month validity, advised the Consulate General of India in Toronto in a conversation with Desi News.

Will we ever return to the pre-COVID ease of travel? Difficult to say. Media reports in India suggest that the country is adopting a reciprocal approach to granting visas and easing quarantine restrictions. And it is believed Canada is “too rigid” in its molecular testing requirements for inbound passengers from India.

So fasten your seatbelts. This ride could get bumpier.