International travel plans were temporarily halted during COVID-19. Now, we are seeing travel restrictions gradually being lifted and people are getting ready to head overseas for study and work purposes. Though, amid social distancing and other safety guidelines, travel preparation will now include some new rules which students with study permits approved on or before March 18, 2020 will need to comply with.
Along with your documents and other mandatory travel requirements, you will have to isolate for 14 days on arrival to Canada in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. You will also be required to show a quarantine plan which will outline how you are going to quarantine.
Students checking into campus will have to follow a set of important protocols. These measures are a necessity that ensure you can continue with your education and work plans without any danger to your health and others. Read on to know how you should prepare for quarantine.
New quarantine rules
Currently, all countries are implementing new rules to restrict the spread of the virus. Canada, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Spain and many other countries have a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for all international visitors.
Corona quarantine planning is now an essential part of the new international travel plans. Your refusal to follow this plan can result in six months of jail time in Canada or a fine of $750,000.
Pre-travel plans
Your quarantine preparation has to be meticulous as it will be examined thoroughly on arrival. In Canada, for example, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will inspect your quarantine plan and, in turn, decide whether to allow you entry or not. Upon failure to produce a complete plan, you can be denied entry into the country.
Pre-arrival checklist
Given the stringent travel guidelines, certain steps have to be taken before you leave your country, such as:
- Students enrolled in a program should confirm if it will be offered online or on campus. Head to your college website and get in touch with them for coronavirus travel advice, country-specific travel rules and COVID quarantine support in your country.
- Gather all your college documents and make sure that you have your study permit handy. For programs that can only be completed on campus, ask for a letter of support from the college.
- It’s really important to thoroughly look into current travel restrictions before you fly. If you are planning on coming to Canada, then you need to show proof that your travel is essential and you have a study permit approved on or before March 18, 2020. The same goes for other countries; it’s always best to talk to an immigration consultant before flying.
- Have a quarantine plan in place that you can share with the officer on arrival.
- Health Canada has launched an ArriveCAN app to better prepare for quarantine travel rules. Those travelling to the country need to download this app and submit information on their quarantine planning resources 48 hours ahead of travelling.
- Ensure that your travel checklist guide consists of non-medical masks along with important documents.
- Lastly, if you have any sign of COVID-19, then don’t travel at all.
Quarantine preparation
Anyone planning to travel at the moment must have a COVID isolation plan. The 14-day period is applicable for all and the following are a must in your quarantine checklist:
- Choose a quarantine location where you will not be in contact with any vulnerable people which includes those over 65 years of age, people with a weak immune system or those who have any underlying medical condition.
- To safely reach your quarantine location from the airport, you can reach out to [email protected] for assistance. You should also avoid using public transport.
- During this home quarantine, you need to make suitable arrangements for food, medication and all the necessary goods.
- Those travelling with kids or pets should have the necessary support and services available to take care of them.
- Medical Insurance: For Fall semester, your student health insurance starts on September 1, 2020. If you are arriving early, please purchase insurance coverage for your entire travel and quarantine time. You can purchase an early insurance plan from guard.me. Use your guard.me policy number to sign up for mobile doctor / remote doctor appointments.
Thorough research of international travel restrictions and COVID quarantine support from your destination country is important before making any travel plans. This can help you better prepare your quarantine checklist and also assist in securing a place for 14-days of self-isolation.
To help students find safe, comfortable and affordable accommodation, TSoM has negotiated a special package with Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Toronto Airport, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Airport and Holiday Inn – Downtown Toronto. To book your stay and take advantage of this special promo that save you up to $500*, please email [email protected].
TSoM has also partnered with Fivestar Homestay to offer an easy and accessible way for our students to book airport transfers and accommodations. Students can self-isolate and quarantine in a homestay via this portal.
Follow this link for all relevant and updated information on TSoM’s re-opening plan. Be rest-assured that we have taken every preventive measure to ensure the safety of students and staff members. You find more details about these steps here. TSoM has also created a student guide list for those travelling to Canada for their studies.
Considering studying in Canada? Start your educational journey and explore a range of diverse programs offered by TSoM in Business, Accounting, Information Technology, Big data and more. The college has over 100 Co-op partners and offers excellence in education whilst keeping its students’ and faculty’s safety at the forefront of everything they do. Click on the links to know more!
