Travelling to Canada & Self-Isolation Planning

Recent Travel Restriction Updates

Effective June 21, 2021 the Government of Canada has extended the suspension of flights from India to Canada for a another of 30 days. Travel from Pakistan is now permitted with travellers being required to get a COVID-19 test in the country in order to board a flight to Canada. Click below for the most current update(s) regarding this travel restriction.

When you are able to confirm your plans to travel to Canada, please re-submit your travel and quarantine plans by requesting a Travel Support Letter on our Travelling to Canada Page to update your flight number, date of travel, hotel quarantine address, and contact info. Fall 2021 is considered a transitional semester. So, there are both in-person and limited online classes available. We would like to remind you that we will continue to offer services for our international students abroad.
News release

Updated June 22, 2021

  • All international students planning on travelling to Canada for the purpose of studying at Douglas College MUST submit their quarantine plans to Douglas College International (see link below)
  • Be sure to visit Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): International students on the IRCC website to determine if you are eligible for travel to Canada. 
  • Beginning July 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fully vaccinated travellers who are permitted to enter Canada will not be subject to the federal requirement to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day-8. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel. Click here for more information.
  • To be considered fully vaccinated, a traveller must have received the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. 
  • A pre-departure negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours is still required for all air travellers coming to Canada. 
  • In addition to proof of a negative pre-departure test, all international travellers will be required to take a molecular (PCR) test on (effective February 21, 2021). Click here for more information on how molecular COVID-19 testing is being conducted.
  • Students not fully vaccinated 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.
  • Travellers must present proof of having reserved and pre-paid for their accommodation through ArriveCAN.
  • Effective June 21, 2021, the Government of Canada has extended the suspension of flights from India to Canada for a another of 30 days. Travellers from Pakistan are now required to get a COVID-19 test in the country in order to board a flight to Canada. Please check back for updates regarding this travel restriction. 

The ultimate authority allowing students into the country rests with the Canadian Border Services Agency. If you choose to travel to Canada, it is your responsibility to provide proof that you’re eligible.

Travel Eligibility Requirements:

  1. You have a valid study permit or a study permit approval. Note: an Approval in Principle or AIP does not permit students to travel.
  2. You’ve completed an immigration medical examination if required and the results are still valid
  3. You have a self-isolation plan and documents prepared in advance and submitted to Douglas College and ArriveCan (required)
  4. A negative COVID test result within 72 hours of travel will be required for all air travellers coming to Canada starting on January 7th. Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine.
  5. All international travellers will be required to take a molecular (PCR) test on arrival.
  6. Students will be required to stay in a government approved hotel for 3 days while waiting for a negative COVID-19 test. 
  7. Returning students may be eligible to travel to Canada at anytime provided you are enrolled in the current semester.
  8. New students should aim to travel only within 4 weeks of the start of your first semester.

Resources for Students

 

Options for Self-isolation Accommodations AFTER Mandatory Hotel Quarantine

Self-isolation plan submission & Travel Letter Request

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. We will be processing your request within 5-10 business days and emailing you at the email provided after we verify your eligibility. 

REQUEST YOUR TRAVEL SUPPORT LETTER HERE

 

Options for Eating

Douglas College is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment that allows for full and free participation of all members of the College Community who are to be treated with fairness, respect and dignity. During the global pandemic, conduct related to College and community safety includes complying with federal and provincial quarantine requirements upon arrival to Canada. Students who mislead or lie about their quarantine will be considered in breach of Douglas College student conduct standards. When misconduct is found to have occurred, sanctions for violations of this Policy may be imposed up to and including student suspension.