Travelling to Canada

Latest updates

As of January 15, 2022, international students and work permit holders must be fully vaccinated to travel to Canada. Exceptions include international students under the age of 18 studying at approved institutions such as UBC. If you’re a temporary resident permitted entry into Canada without qualifying as fully vaccinated, you may take a connecting flight that is scheduled to depart within 24 hours of the departure time for your flight to Canada.

As of April 25, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to provide a quarantine plan, and are no longer required to follow certain federal public health measures after arriving in Canada. It is still mandatory to complete the ArriveCan app. Unvaccinated children aged 5-11 accompanying a fully vaccinated caregiver are no longer required to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result. See the April 22 news release for details.

Travel restrictions, testing and quarantine requirements may change without notice. Visit COVID-19: Travel, testing, and borders for updates. 

Last updated Thu, May 12, 2022 at 11:12 am PT

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 carefully 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 test (for unvaccinated travellers only),

  • Get a new immigration medical exam, if required.

  • Confirm your health insurance coverage.

Jump to Step 2 details

Step 3. Complete ArriveCan

All travellers must submit their information through ArriveCan. If you are not fully vaccinated, you must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival and submit a self-isolation plan. 

  • Submit your personal details and quarantine plan (if required) through the ArriveCAN app (mandatory).
  • Read and follow provincial and federal guidelines for quarantine, if required.
  • Learn about UBC's self-isolation packages and resources.
  • Register for your on-arrival COVID-19 test at the airport or land border before travelling.

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 test on arrival, if applicable.
  • Collect your day 8 COVID-19 test kit (for unvaccinated travellers only).

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 unvaccinated travellers only).
  • Complete the take-home COVID-19 test kit on day 8 (for unvaccinated travellers only).
  • 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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