Travelling to Canada & Self-Isolation Planning

1. Confirm you have a study permit approval (aka Letter of Introduction) or valid study permit. Note: Approval in Principle or AIP does not permit students to travel. 
    
2. Review the ArriveCAN requirements and download the app.
    
3. Make your 3-day mandatory hotel quarantine arrangements (confirm bookings/availability)
    
4. Confirm with your airline availability and book your flights to Vancouver
    
5. Submit your self-isolation plans to Douglas College here. Upon verification, we will be able to provide a letter of support for travelling to Canada. Submit your plan and request your letter here: DCI Quarantine Plan Submission & Travel Support Request
    
6. Complete requirements or additions to your plan requested by Douglas College International
    
7. Submit your self-isolation plan to the Government of Canada through ArriveCAN (required). Travellers must present proof of having reserved and pre-paid for their accommodation through ArriveCAN. 
    
8. Take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of travel
    
9. On arrival to Canada, take a COVID-19 PCR test

Students are recommended to bring the following documents while travelling to enter Canada:

• Letter of Acceptance from the College (for new students)
• Verification of Enrollment (VOE) from the College
• A letter from the College supporting to travel to Canada.
  This can be requested here: DCI Quarantine Plan Submission & Travel Support Request
• A Valid Passport
• Valid Temporary Resident Visa or eTA
• Valid Study Permit or study permit approval (Note: Approval in Principal or AIP does now allow students to travel)
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.
• Negative COVID-19 test result

To print a VOE online:

1. Log-in to your secure registration area
2. Select “Student Records”
3. Select “View/Print Documents & Letters”
4. Select the Verification of Enrolment document type (with or without fees)
5. Select a term
6. Click “continue”
7. On the window toolbar select “file” and then “print”

Students will be required to stay in a government approved hotel for 3 days while waiting for a negative COVID-19 test. If the test is negative you can continue with your quarantine according to your plan (family, alternate hotel, etc.). Note: You must complete your 14 day quarantine even if your arrival test is negative.

All hotels will be located near one of the 4 Canadian airports currently accepting international flights. A full list of hotels and policies are available here.

If your test is positive, you will be required to stay in quarantine at the government approved hotel for the full 14 days.

Testing and Hotel expenses are estimated to be $2000 CAD or more. These expenses will come out of your own pocket. Be sure to bring financial support document to demonstrate that you have enough funds available to pay for these additional testing and hotel costs.

Students should plan to arrive in Canada with enough time to complete the 14- day quarantine before classes begin. However, when students arrive too early to Canada, their purpose could be considered optional and discretionary travel, and therefore not be allowed to enter the country. Please carefully time your arrival in Canada.

When booking your flight to Canada, please make sure you book a flights with the least amount of connections. Direct to Vancouver is ideal. 

All students should have a valid medical insurance plan before your date of Travel. New DCI students will be enrolled in Guard.Me for 90 days starting from the first day of class during the waiting period for MSP. If you arrive before the first day of class, you may purchase additional coverage directly through Guard.Me. Upon arrival in BC you must apply for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Returning students, please make sure your MSP coverage is active and valid.

See also our Medical Insurance page for more information.

International students have 2 options to get to their Hotel/Quarantine location:

1. shuttle bus for government-authorized hotels (follow instructions provided at the airport)
2. taxi or limousine

You will be required to wear a mask and maintain 6 ft of physical distance at all times.

Note: Public transit including bus, skytrain, and Canada Line is not permitted for students travelling from the airport/hotel to your address of self-isolation.