The current state of travel regulations is constantly changing, so it is important to know exactly how to be prepared when you are traveling internationally to India.
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Due to the extreme risk of terrorism and insurgency, it is recommended to avoid all non-essential travel to India at this time. The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our travel advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
How to travel to India: Air or Land Borders
Most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions for their territory to combat COVID-19.
Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document. Before traveling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation.
Restrictions imposed could include:
- Entry and exit bans, particularly for non-residents
- Quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
- Buarantines before your planned departure if you test positive for COVID-19, resulting in a delayed departure
- Health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance
- Flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
- Suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options
Traveling Internationally
Anyone who has not completed a COVID-19 vaccine series should continue to avoid non-essential travel to all destinations. If you must travel, consider delaying your plans until you're fully vaccinated.
COVID-19 continues to circulate in Canada and internationally. The COVID-19 situation at your destination can change rapidly and can vary considerably from one destination to another, and even between regions within a country.
The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to change over time and new variants will appear. Remain vigilant and take measures to protect yourself and limit the spread to others.
Proof of Vaccination
International visitors must provide proof of full vaccination prior to boarding any flights. Accepted vaccines include those that are FDA approved or authorized, as well as vaccines with an emergency use listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Individuals can be considered fully vaccinated at least two weeks after the last dose of an accepted single-dose series or any combination of two doses of an accepted two-dose series. Children under the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccine requirement, and other limited exceptions apply.
Testing Requirements
International travelers aged two and older are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than three days before travel. Both nucleic acid amplification tests, such as a PCR test, and antigen tests qualify.
In a very limited number of cases, there are additional testing requirements for those who are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirement and documentation needs for travelers who can demonstrate recent recovery from COVID-19 in place of a negative viral test.
Mask Mandates
All travelers are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while in airplanes, airports, and other indoor areas of public transportation while traveling.
It’s mandatory to wear a mask in India. And police are out on the streets, watching people to make sure they are in place. People caught without wearing a mask will be fined.
State and Local Requirements
Once international travelers arrive at their destination, individual state and local governments, as well as some businesses, may have their own health and safety guidelines regarding masks, social distancing, vaccination status, and more.
In order to be certain what the mandates are in the city you are traveling to, be sure to contact the local health department prior to your departure so you can be prepared.