Travel to Canada is currently subject to COVID-19 restrictions. Carleton students may qualify for a travel exemption under our government-approved COVID-19 Readiness Plan. However, the timing and purpose of travel are additional factors that will be considered by the Canadian Border Services Officer (CBSA) who makes the decision whether to allow entry. A full list of entry requirements to Canada can be found on the Government of Canada website. Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet all immigration and public health requirements and measures in place at the time they plan to travel. Students should regularly review the immigration and public health requirements and measures as they are subject to change on short notice.
Students should plan to travel when they are enrolled in a school term, or shortly before the start of a term in which they will be enrolled. A Certificate of Enrolment from Carleton Central will help to establish that the purpose of travel is to study. Students coming for a summer co-op term should obtain a letter from Carleton Co-operative Education that supports the purpose of their travel. (See the ISSO’s instructions on how to apply for the co-op letter.)
The Government of Canada has not provided firm guidelines related to late arrival for the Winter 2021 term. At this time, the ISSO strongly recommends that students who travel late in the Winter term be able to show that they are also enrolled in the Summer 2021 term.
Students who are not enrolled in the Summer term should consider waiting for further guidance on the travel restrictions in the coming months, or plan to travel closer to mid- to late August, with confirmation of Fall 2021 registration.
Students are reminded that final decisions on entry to Canada will be made by a Canada Border Services Officer (CBSA) at the Port of Entry. Questions about entry to Canada may be directed to the Canada Border Services Agency.
The ISSO provides comprehensive travel and quarantine information on its Quarantine Planning website. Registering at the website for pre-arrival support will ensure that you will receive the most up-to-date travel information and that you have UHIP coverage when you arrive in Canada. You may also contact the ISSO at isso@carleton.ca for additional information and guidance on your quarantine plan and UHIP health coverage.
The decision to travel is a personal one. Students planning to travel must be prepared to assume the personal risks and responsibilities of travel at this time; and we remind you to be aware that Government of Canada travel and entry directives are subject to change with little notice.