Important Information for International Students Travelling to Canada Or Abroad

We strongly recommend that students review the content fully and carefully to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities as they plan ahead for the academic term. It is important to note that failure to comply with the Government of Canada’s protocols may lead to students being denied entry into the country. Fines or other penalties can also be imposed for non-compliance.

All international students planning to arrive in Canada must complete the Quarantine Planning and Support (Pre-Arrival) Form to seek additional support and guidance with their quarantine planning process. Please note that doing so does not guarantee entry to Canada, and students continue to remain responsible for providing officials with a complete and accurate quarantine plan that they commit to adhering to.

If you are coming to Canada from one of these countries or territories, you may need to demonstrate proof of valid medical exam results. If you had an immigration medical exam within one year prior to your travel date, bring your medical exam receipt.  If you have been outside of Canada for more than 6 months, or if you want to work in certain jobs, you may need to take a new immigration medical exam before travelling. Read IRCC’s information about who needs a medical exam. See more details in the ISSO’s COVID-19 FAQs. 

If you are planning to travel outside of Canada during the upcoming school break it is important that you understand and follow the entrance requirements for your destination (and for re-entry to Canada) to avoid travel delays. For example, due to COVID-19 many countries continue to put in place strict entry requirements (such as mandatory COVID testing and quarantine). Ensuring that you are up-to-date on these expectations prior to travel is essential.

To assist with international outbound travel to countries requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry, LifeLabs and Shoppers Drug Mart are offering eligible travellers the option to book rapid COVID-19 testing at select locations in the General Toronto Area (GTA). There are currently no testing locations in Ottawa.

How Can I Book a Rapid COVID-19 Test?

The “FlyClear” program by LifeLabs offers COVID-19 PCR testing (a rapid COVID-19 test for international outbound travel) and Antibody (serology) testing to anyone needing these for their travel. COVID-19 rapid testing through this program offers results within 24 to 48 hours at certain Toronto locations. To learn more, including cost, and to book an appointment consult the FlyClear website.

Travelling with Air Canada? Beginning December 7, 2020, eligible travellers flying with Air Canada can book and purchase a COVID-19 RT-PCR (a rapid COVID-19 test for international outbound travel) at participating Shoppers Drug Mart locations. The test is available for travellers flying to destinations requiring a negative COVID-19 test within 24 to 48 hours prior to travel. For more information, including cost and how to book an appointment, visit the Shoppers Drug Mart website.

What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for International Outbound Travel?

Students in Ottawa who wish to travel abroad and require a negative COVID-19 test may consider travelling to Toronto prior to their scheduled flight to complete rapid testing.

Prior to making travel plans, it is important to:

• Check the pandemic travel health notices and understand the entry requirements for your destination country
• Confirm you are eligible for a rapid COVID-19 test via FlyClear or Shoppers Drug Mart websites
• Ensure that your immigration and travel documents are valid and will not expire during your travels
• Budget for the additional costs that may be associated with your travel (including travel to Toronto, the cost of a rapid COVID-19 test, and accommodation in Toronto while awaiting results etc.)
• Plan your travel to Toronto and book your rapid COVID-19 test to allow for adequate time to receive results before your flight. Need accommodations for your time in Toronto? Contact the ISSO at isso@carleton.ca to learn about hotel options.

Returning to Canada from an International Location

When preparing to return to Canada for the Winter 2021 Term, it is important that you review the entry requirements for international students. These are subject to change, and students are responsible for demonstrating that they meet all current requirements for travel to Canada (including being prepared for a mandatory 14-day quarantine period). Students should note that a final decision on entry to Canada will be made by an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency at the Port of Entry. Learn more about quarantine by consulting our Quarantine Planning and Support website.

Please contact the ISSO for further guidance on travelling and entry to Canada during the upcoming break.