Travelling During COVID-19

Travelling to Canada
This page contains important information regarding mandatory quarantine requirements for international students entering Canada. It is relevant both for new students, and for those who wish to leave and return to Canada.

As of January 15, 2022, International students will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.  Unvaccinated students will not be permitted to enter the country.

Important Preliminary Notes
Restrictions & Quarantine
Before You Travel
While Travelling
Upon Arrival

Important Preliminary Notes

Circumstances in Canada and around the world are changing daily. This website may not be up-to-date with the latest developments. You must refer to the latest updates provided by the federal and provincial governments in order to determine the most recent limitations on travel to Canada.

  • As of January 15th, 2022, only full vaccinated International Students are permitted to enter Canada
  • Effective November 30, 2021, the Government of Canada expanded its list of accepted vaccines for the purposes of entry into Canada and exemption from some testing and quarantine requirements. The list will include Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN, matching the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing (EUL).
  • For more information on these changes, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/11/adjustments-to-canadas-border-and-travel-measures.html
  • It is the responsibility of new international students coming to Vancouver School of Theology to understand federal and provincial laws and regulations before planning to arrive in Canada. Significant penalties may apply to those who do not comply.
  • Even if fully vaccinated, If you show any symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be permitted to enter the country.
  • Travellers to Canada are subject to testing requirements both before and after entering the country. It is important to check the latest updates from the Government of Canada before you travel. Those updates are available here.
  • In addition, the Canada Border Services agent who processes your application can use their discretion to determine whether your travel is considered discretionary (not essential) or non-discretionary (essential) based on the information you provide. For more information, review IRCC’s guidelines for international students.

Travel Restrictions & Quarantine

Travel to Canada is restricted right now in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. Before you travel to Canada, it is very important that you understand the travel restrictions and exemptions for international students.

As of January 15, 2022, International students will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.  Unvaccinated students will not be permitted to enter the country.

Check the latest updates from the Government of Canada here.

We advise you not to attempt to travel to Canada until you have carefully reviewed the following:

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
    This website contains up-to-date details of Canada’s current approach to international travellers, including international students.
  • Review the most up to date travel regulations on the Government of Canada webpage.
  • Determine if you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.
    • All fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air from departure points other than the United States will be subject to arrival testing. Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine while they await the results of their arrival test.
  • Before travelling to Canada you must:
    • upload your proof of vaccination in English or French into ArriveCAN
    • submit a quarantine plan in ArriveCAN and Portal, as well as meet the entry requirements under the current travel restriction policies. The final determination of your quarantine exemption is made by a government representative at the border.   

Before You Travel

Make sure that you have medical insurance

The Government of British Columbia provides a Medical Services Plan (MSP) to all BC residents. All residents of BC are required by law to enrol themselves and their dependants with MSP.

However, MSP does not provide coverage for the first 3 months of your time in Canada. During the 3 month waiting period, you must have private medical coverage. This is mandatory. Some students extend their travel insurance for an extra 2–3 months. Private insurance is also available through local insurance company David Cummings Insurance Services.

Please review your travel insurance and private medical coverage plan carefully to ensure that you have the necessary coverage in relation to COVID-19.

Let us know when you will be arriving

We want to make sure that you have the support you need. As soon as you know when you will be arriving in Canada, please submit your travel plans to the Registrar, registrar@vst.edu.

Prepare for your quarantine

You will not be allowed to enter Canada without submitting a clear quarantine plan, even if you are fully vaccinated , so it is essential to make arrangements in advance. Visit our Managing Your Quarantine page for information on accommodations, food, transportation from the airport, and more.

As of January 15, 2022, International students will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.  Unvaccinated students will not be permitted to enter the country.

Check the latest updates from the Government of Canada here.

Get a COVID-19 Test

Travelers to Canada are subject to testing requirements both before and after entering the country.

Students arriving to Canada by land or air will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken within 72 hours of pre-arrival.

The Government of Canada has provided specific guidelines regarding testing requirements, so it is important to check the latest directives before you travel. Those updates are available here.

Download & use the ArriveCan app

If you fly to Canada, you are required to use the ArriveCan app. Before you board your flight, you will be required to provide the following information through the app:

  • Travel and contact information
  • proof of vaccination
  • Quarantine plan
  • COVID-19 symptom self-assessments

The ArriveCAN app is also important for checking in with Canada Border Services once you arrive at your quarantine location.

Learn more about the ArriveCan app here.

Before travelling, you should also download the BC COVID-19 Support App as well as the ArriveCAN app.

Stay healthy

You will need to pass a health check before entering Canada. If you are flying, you will also be required to demonstrate that you have tested negative for COVID-19 (see above) before you will be allowed to board your flight. You may also be required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the Vancouver Airport.  International students who test positive or show symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Canada. The following tips will help you stay healthy before you travel so your trip to Canada is not interrupted or prevented by sickness:

  • Be aware of the local situation and follow local public health advice.
  • Avoid spending time in large crowds or crowded areas.
  • Avoid contact with sick people, especially if those persons have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

It is important to monitor your health before, during, and after you travel. If you become sick, avoid contact with others except to see a health-care professional. Our Managing Your Quarantine page contains information on how to access medical care if you become sick after you arrive in Canada.

As of January 15, 2022, International students will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada.  Unvaccinated students will not be permitted to enter the country.

While Travelling

You must be symptom-free to enter Canada, so it is important to protect yourself from infection while travelling. If you are flying, you should check with your airline to learn whether any particular protocols apply to your flight. Whether you travel on land or by air, the following measures are recommended in order to limit your chances of becoming infected:

  • Wear a non-medical mask or face covering.
  • Wear gloves (if applicable).
  • Practice safe physical distancing.
  • Carry hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently.

Upon Arrival

When you arrive, you can expect the following:

  • Your health will be assessed by a Canada Border Services Agent (CBSA).
  • You will be required to present your quarantine plan to the CBSA (you can streamline this process using the ArriveCAN app).
  • You will be asked to show your documents:
    • Your passport
    • Admission Letter from Vancouver School of Theology
    • Port of Entry Introduction letter or study permit
    • Proof of funds
    • Confirmation of enrolment letter (request from VST registrar after registering for courses)
  • You may be required to undergo a molecular test for COVID-19.

Please be aware that there is a risk that your request to enter Canada may be denied. The Canada Border Services agent who processes your application will determine whether your travel is considered discretionary (not essential) or non-discretionary (essential) based on the information you provide. For more information, review IRCC’s guidelines for international students.

You should pre-arrange direct transportation from the airport to your quarantine location via taxi while awaiting any required results from arrival testing.  Do not use public transportation (e.g., Canada Line trains) to leave the airport. You must avoid contact with the general public until your quarantine period is over.

Once you are settled in at your quarantine location, you should:

  • Check in with CBSA using the ArriveCAN app.
  • Contact the VST Registrar, Anita Fast to let her know that you have arrived.

Visit our Managing Your Quarantine page to learn how to plan for your quarantine.

Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this website, this is a constantly changing situation. For up-to-date news and guidance, please visit the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, review the latest news from BC’s provincial government, and review the latest orders from BC’s Provincial Health Officer. Those contemplating travel to or from Canada should also carefully review the Government of Canada’s travel restrictions