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Travelling During COVID-19

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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced new restrictions to be in place when it comes to travel, arrival in Canada, and quarantine requirements upon arrival. Below you will see a list of restrictions that have been put in place that will likely have an impact on students’ plans to travel to and study in Canada.

At the time of publication (October 2021) these restrictions are still in place. For the most up-to-date information on Travel Restrictions, please be sure to monitor the Government of Canada website.

Before Travel

Travellers should stay up to date on on Canada’s COVID-19 procedures, as well as the procedures of the specific region they will be travelling to. The following needs to be completed prior to one’s travel:

  • Travellers will have to provide their travel and arrival details electronically through the ArriveCAN app or website prior to boarding a flight. It’s important to note that many schools have their own process or app for recording this as well. This should be in addition to the ArriveCAN updating.
  • Travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result. This test must be taken within 72 hours of entry into Canada or your scheduled flight departure time. This proof must be kept for the 14 day period that begins on the day you enter Canada. Details regarding COVID-19 test requirements can be found here.

Upon Arrival

Travel plans should be made well in advance; not all airports will be open and those that are will likely have specified their own COVID-19 related procedures. All travellers must also adhere to the regulations and requirements set out by the airport that they will be arriving at.

Below are links to four major airports in Canada:

Travellers arriving through air will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test when arriving in Canada. This will have to happen prior to exiting the airport and at the end of their 14 day quarantine (further details on this below).

Quarantine

International students must have a 14-day quarantine plan even if they believe that they meet the current criteria for being considered a fully vaccinated traveller. If the traveller does not meet the conditions required for quarantine exemption they will be required to follow their 14-day quarantine plan. Violating these instructions could have legal implications.

Things to Consider During Quarantine

  • When permitted, travellers need to go directly to their chosen location of isolation using private transportation if available
  • Public transportation as a mode of travel to the quarantine location is highly discouraged at this time.
  • Travellers must not stop at any other location from the airport (e.g. grocery stores or markets).
  • Stay inside your quarantine location, and avoid all contact with others.
  • If applicable, travellers will need to check in with their homestay and custodian service provider for their updates and policy changes. Find out more information regarding Canada Homestay here.
  • If the traveller does not have a place to isolate they must be isolated in a facility designated by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.

While Self-Isolating Travellers Must:

  • Practice the preventative measures listed above.
  • Self-monitor their health for the symptoms listed above.
  • If they are experiencing any symptoms while self-isolating, they must continue to self-isolate, and call Public Health.
  • Travellers in quarantine must not go to the hospital or a clinic until they have been informed to do so by a medical professional.

For more information: Access Public Health’s self assessment tool, provincial specific resources, and additional health services.