Travelling to Canada and self-isolation

Step 1. Confirm entry requirements for Canada

Before you travel, you should ensure that you meet the requirements for entry to Canada.

International students must meet the following requirements:

1. You must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit, unless you are exempt (for example, if your program of study is six months or less).
   • Visit the Government of Canada website for a full list of study permit exemptions.
2. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may require a valid temporary resident visa (also known as a visitor visa, student visa, or TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
   • Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to check if you need a visa or eTA.
   • If you require an eTA to enter Canada and are not sure if you have one, you can check your eTA status online.
   • If you applied for a study permit outside Canada, your TRV or eTA will have been issued automatically upon approval of your application.
3. Effective January 5, 2023, at 12:01am EST: if you are travelling to Canada on a flight originating from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao, you will need to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than two days before your departure, to the airline prior to boarding.
   • For more information, review the news release from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Although COVID-19 emergency border measures have ended, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should not travel to Canada. For more information, including what to do if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 while in transit, please visit the Government of Canada COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders website.

Step 2. Submit travel information via ArriveCAN, if applicable

ArriveCAN is a federal government app you can use to submit travel information if you are flying into select airports in Canada. Use of ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory.

• If your initial flight into Canada will arrive at one of the following airports, you can use ArriveCAN to complete an advance customs and immigration declaration, which may help you save time upon arrival:
  • Vancouver international airport (YVR)
  • Toronto Pearson international airport (YYZ) (Terminals 1 and 3)
  • Montreal-Trudeau international airport (YUL)
  • Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG)
  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
  • Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
• Using ArriveCAN is free! Do not engage with any websites or apps that demand payment for using ArriveCAN. For more information, see use ArriveCAN to enter Canada.

Step 3. Ensure you have the necessary documents for travel

You must carry supporting documents to demonstrate you meet the requirements for entry to Canada.

If you have any concerns before you travel, you can email uvcsimmigration@uvic.ca or you can contact the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) for more information.

You should also:

1. Arrange for appropriate travel insurance, as circumstances and restrictions may change.
2. Ensure you have appropriate health insurance in place. If you have questions about registering for guard.me@UVic medical insurance plan, please contact uvcsreg@uvic.ca.

At the port of entry – immigration documents

When you arrive at the port of entry to Canada, a border agent will assess your eligibility to enter Canada and make a final decision on whether to allow entry. If you were approved for a new study permit from outside Canada, your study permit will also be issued (printed) at this time.

Make sure to check your study permit when it is issued to you, to ensure all the details are correct and the appropriate conditions have been imposed.

• Check that all details in the client information section are correct.
• If you are a full-time student at UVic, make sure your study permit includes a statement that you “may work” or “may accept employment”. If it does not, this can significantly delay your ability to begin working in Canada.
  • We recommend carrying a Verification of Enrollment (VOE) from UVic as proof of your full-time student status. You can request a VOE through Continuing Studies My Account > Online Request Forms.

If you notice any errors on your documents, request changes before you leave Immigration. Be prepared to demonstrate your eligibility to work (for example, by showing the officer a Verification of Enrollment from UVic confirming your full-time student status), if needed.

Getting vaccinated in BC

International students are eligible to be vaccinated in BC!

If you are unvaccinated, see how to get vaccinated for COVID-19. If you don’t have a Personal Health Number (PHN) yet, you will need to register by phone. A PHN will be created for you when you register. (*Important: This temporary PHN is not medical insurance. You still need to apply for the BC Medical Services Plan [MSP] as soon as possible).

If you are partially vaccinated or were vaccinated outside BC, see do I need another vaccine in BC?

• If it is recommended that you get another dose, follow the instructions to submit your current vaccination record and register for your vaccination.
• If you do not need another dose, follow the instructions to submit your current vaccination record, register in BC’s immunization registry, and download your BC Vaccine Card or Canadian Proof of Vaccination document.

Requirements for travel within Canada and leaving Canada

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to board an airplane or train in Canada. Wearing a mask during travel is strongly recommended but is no longer required. For more information, see COVID-19: Travel, testing, and borders.

You do not need a COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination to board a plane or train in Canada unless you are flying to a country that requires it. Make sure to research the entry requirements of your destination before you travel.

Please check with your travel provider to confirm any documents (such as identification documents) required for boarding.

Proof of vaccination documents

Canadian Proof of Vaccination document

• The Canadian (federal) proof of vaccination can be used when travelling within and outside of Canada.
• To get your document, go to and use your Personal Health Number (PHN) to download your document. Save a digital copy to your phone and/or print a paper copy.
• If you plan to use this document for travel to other countries, be sure to research whether or not it will be accepted in your destination.
• See About the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination for current information.

BC Vaccine Card (proof of vaccination) 

• As of April 8, 2022, there is no requirement for events, services or businesses to check proof of vaccination. Individual businesses and event organizers may opt to continue to require proof of vaccination for entry to their premises. For information about this program, see Proof of vaccination.

UVic self-declaration (vaccination status)

UVic students, staff and faculty coming to campus are no longer required to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status.