Travelling to Canada

Latest updates

The suspension of direct flights from India has been extended to September 26, 2021. Starting September 27, 2021, Transport Canada announced direct flights will resume with additional measures. See the alert on flights from India for more information. 

Starting September 7, 2021, fully-vaccinated travellers can travel to Canada for non-essential travel. If you are a fully-vaccinated degree-seeking student, you cannot travel as a visitor and must have an approved or valid study permit (except for US citizens who can apply at the airport/border crossing). If you are a non-degree seeking student see our FAQ. If your Post-Graduation Work Permit has been approved and you are fully vaccinated, you no longer require a job offer to travel to Canada. 

See the Travelling to Canada Guide for guidance on travelling. 

Overview

If you’re an international student planning to come to UBC, we are here to help.

There are important steps to take before you plan your trip. It’s important for you to review the guide and understand the process and requirements before you travel.

Start the guide

Step 1. Check if you’re eligible to enter Canada

Check if you can travel before making travel arrangements. 

  • Understand travel documents you need.
  • Get advice on whether to travel.
  • Learn how the travel restrictions may impact you.
  • Consider when to travel.

Begin the first step

Step 2. Before you travel to Canada

Before you travel to Canada, you must make sure you prepare the right documents and have a quarantine plan for when you arrive.

  • Gather documents supporting essential travel.

  • Get a COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time or within 72 hours before arrival by land.

  • Get a new medical exam, if required.

  • Confirm your health insurance coverage.

Jump to Step 2 details

Step 3. Prepare your quarantine (self-isolation) plan

You must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival and submit a self-isolation plan. If you are fully vaccinated, you still need to prepare a 14-day quarantine plan in case you do not meet the requirements to be exempt from quarantine. 

  • Read and follow provincial and federal guidelines for quarantine.
  • Consider what you need for necessary support during your quarantine.
  • Learn about criteria and exemptions for eligible fully vaccinated travellers.
  • Register for your on-arrival COVID-19 test at the airport or land border before travelling.
  • Submit your personal details and quarantine plan through the ArriveCAN app (mandatory).
  • Learn about UBC's self-isolation packages and resources.

Jump to Step 3 details

Step 4. While you travel to Canada

Make sure you bring the right documents, know what to expect at the airport or border and follow arrival steps.

  • See documentation to bring.
  • Learn what to pack.
  • Know what to expect at the airport or border.
  • Get a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival (if you are fully vaccinated you may be randomly selected to do so).
  • Collect your day 8 COVID-19 test kit if you are not fully vaccinated.

Jump to Step 4 details

Step 5. After arriving in Canada

There are a few things you need to do as soon as you arrive in Canada. 

  • Follow your quarantine plan for the remainder of the 14 days, if applicable.
  • Complete the take-home COVID-19 test kit on day 8, if applicable.
  • Apply for MSP and check that you have iMED.
  • Complete the after arrival checklist.
  • See options if you need financial support.
  • Learn about life in Canada.

Jump to Step 5 details

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