Travelling to Canada

Latest updates

As of November 30, 2021, fully vaccinated travelers who have been in any country other than Canada and the United States in the 14 days prior to entry to Canada may be selected for testing when they arrive and must quarantine in a suitable place while waiting for the on arrival test result. You may take public transportation, such as connecting flights, to your place of quarantine.

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

On December 15, 2021, the government issued a travel health notice to avoid non-essential travel internationally. 

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 foreign 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.

Last updated Fri, Jan 20 at 3:56 pm

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 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, if applicable.
  • 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 applicable.
  • Collect your day 8 COVID-19 test kit, if applicable.

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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