Three Countries Open Borders to Non-Essential Travellers from India

Good news for Indian travellers planning to visit Canada, Germany and Maldives. All three countries have said they will allow non-essential travel from India but subject to terms and conditions.

Although the Canadian government has barred direct flights from India to the country until July 21 (as of latest media reports), travellers may travel on a connecting flight. However, they will have to produce a negative Covid-19 test result taken at the final point of departure to Canada, which makes it slightly tricky as Indians have to fulfil any condition set by the respective third country.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, fully vaccinated travellers will be allowed to enter Canada may be exempted from federal quarantine and day 8 testing starting July 5. Only vaccines approved by the Government of Canada will be accepted. According to media reports, Canada has cleared India’s Covishield vaccine but not Covaxin. However, travellers not fully vaccinated will have to follow the quarantine and testing schedules.

Prior to their arrival in Canada, travellers will have to upload vaccination status and other details on the Canadian government’s ArriveCan app. The easing of restrictions are said to be implemented from the week starting July 12.

Read: Countries You Can Visit Right Now As An Indian

German public health agency, the Robert Koch Institute, which had banned travel from India listing it under ‘virus variant countries’ has now reclassified India as a ‘high incidence area’, according to media reports. The reclassification is expected to ease travel restrictions on Indians.

Maldives, which has decided to resume international flights from July 15, has announced the opening of its borders for several Asian countries, including India. Indian airline companies such as Go First (formerly Go Air) and Indigo have already announced their flight schedules for Maldives from India.

Note: For latest updates, contact the respective foreign missions in India before finalizing your travel plans.