Trent Safe Arrival Protocol
Making a Plan to Arrive Safely in Canada
An Introduction:
As immigration regulations and public health regulations evolve, this information is subject to change. Please refer back often.
Who do I contact about Safe Arrival?
Email our Safe Arrival and Quarantine Support Team at safearrival@trentu.ca
Can I arrive in Canada?
As the Canadian borders are closed for non-essential travel, only students registered in courses can enter Canada at this time. If you are registered in fall courses, we recommend arriving a maximum of 30 days prior to the start of classes.
Latest Updates
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| July 5, 2021 Update |
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. 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. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide documentation supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation. Read the full details on the Government of Canada website. |
| August 9, 2021 Update |
The Government of Canada announced the extension of some of Canada’s border measures as well as some changes to current measures further easing testing and quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers who are permitted to enter Canada. Beginning August 9, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, please note three important changes as follows:
Please consult the new easing of border measures available on the Government of Canada website. |
| September 7, 2021 Update |
On September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders for discretionary travel by travellers from any country who have been fully vaccinated with Government of Canada-accepted vaccines at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements. What remains the same?
What are the eligibility requirements?
What is a fully-vaccinated traveller?
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What is Trent University’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan?
The Trent Safe Arrival Protocol is Trent University’s Readiness Plan. Please review the Trent Safe Arrival Protocol here.
To be able to reopen to international students who aren’t currently in Canada, Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must have a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province or territory that:
- protects the health and safety of all students and the surrounding community
- describes how they will manage the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for international students, including arrangements for transportation to the students’ quarantine location
- provides information and support to international students about
- how they can get the items they need for their quarantine, like food and medications
- health insurance
- remaining healthy while in Canada
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Making a Safe Arrival and Quarantine Plan
If arriving by air or land, and do not meet vaccination regulations:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview |
|
| Step 1: Quarantine requirements |
If arriving by air, read the full arrival instructions on the Government of Canada website here.
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| Visit the Government of Canada website for details on a suitable place of quarantine. Review our “Planning You Quarantine Accommodations Guide” resource to review the different quarantine options. Students will be required to quarantine off campus for the fall term. |
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| Step 2: Before Entering Canada |
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| Step 3: Quarantine Plan submission |
All students who plan to travel to Canada must submit their quarantine plan through the Trent University Quarantine Plan Registry at least two weeks prior to departure. Before submitting your plan to us, we recommend using the Government of Canada’s “assessing your quarantine plan” tool to ensure it meets all requirements. Here is a sample of what questions are asked in the Trent University Quarantine Plan Registry. |
| Step 4: After Entering Canada |
Arrival by Air or Land:
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| Step 5: Next Steps After Quarantine |
As a non-vaccinated individual, you must complete the entire 14-day quarantine and have a negative day 8 test result to leave quarantine. Once you have completed quarantine:
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Arriving Fully Vaccinated by Vaccine Approved by the Government of Canada
| Step | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview |
If arriving by air and fully vaccinated by vaccine approved by the Government of Canada, read the full arrival instructions on the Government of Canada website here. Beginning July 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, fully vaccinated travellers will not be required to quarantine or complete a day-8 test. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel to await their on-arrival test result. Arrival testing is also transitioning to a randomized method. Only randomly selected travellers deemed fully-vaccinated by a Canadian approved vaccine will be subject to arrival testing at the port-of-entry. Unvaccinated minors or dependent adults who are travelling with fully vaccinated travellers must still quarantine for 14 days and follow all testing requirements, but are not required to stay at a government-authorized hotel. To be eligible for these exemptions, fully vaccinated travellers must:
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| Step 1: Determine eligibility and gather documentation |
To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received the full series of a COVID-19 vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada, at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Travellers must provide proof of vaccination in English or French (or a certified translation). You will find below the list of accepted and not accepted vaccines at the moment. We recommend that you visit the Government of Canada Website if you’re fully vaccinated regularly as the list of accepted vaccines may expand in the future. Accepted vaccines: *updated June 30, 2021
Vaccines not currently accepted for fully vaccinated status in Canada:
Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country but must provide a certified translation confirming their vaccination status if proof of vaccination is not provided in English or French. The Government of Canada will accept translations that were produced by a certified translator whose certification can be confirmed by a stamp or membership number with a professional translation association. Visit the Government of Canada Website for more information on providing proper documentation. |
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| Step 2: Have a Quarantine Plan |
You must have a suitable quarantine plan for 14-days. Final exemption determination is made by a government representative at the border based on the information presented at the time of entry into Canada. You must therefore be prepared to quarantine for 14 days, in case you: are symptomatic or don’t meet the requirements. If you meet all the requirements, you may be deemed eligible for exemption. Review our “Planning You Quarantine Accommodations Guide” resource to review the different quarantine options. Students will be required to quarantine off-campus for the fall term. |
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| Step 2: Before Entering Canada |
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| Step 3: Quarantine Plan Submission |
All students who plan to travel to Canada must submit their quarantine plan through the Trent University Quarantine Plan Registry at least two weeks prior to departure. Before submitting your plan to us, we recommend using the Government of Canada’s “assessing your quarantine plan” tool to ensure it meets all requirements. Here is a sample of what questions are asked in the Trent University Quarantine Plan Registry. Trent International will review your plan and follow up with a confirmation email. Once submitted, download and print the PDF of your plan as submitted. You may be required to present the plan to a Canadian Border Services Agent. Be prepared to explain your plan in detail. |
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| Step 4: After Entering Canada |
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| Step 5: Receive Test Results (if applicable) |
If positive, complete 14-day quarantine. If negative, exempt from quarantine. |
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| Step 5: Complete quarantine or exempt from quarantine |
Follow Public Health guidelines on reducing your risk from COVID-19. Use the Public Health Unit locator to determine local regulations. |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare a quarantine plan?
- First, review the Planning Your Quarantine Accommodations Guide to determine where you would like to quarantine and how you will obtain essential items during your quarantine.
- Next, the Trent University Quarantine Plan Registry guides you through all the steps for completing your quarantine plan.
- Submit your plan and save/print as a PDF.
What is a suitable place of quarantine?
You can find detailed information regarding a suitable place of quarantine and the regulations under the Quarantine Act of Canada on the Government of Canada Website.
For more information, you can refer to the Quarantine Act on the IRCC website and Public Health's instructions on how to quarantine.
How Do I Arrange Transportation from the Airport or to my Place of Quarantine?
From the airport to a government-authorized hotel:
- Transportation is provided by the government. Visit the Government of Canada website for more information.
From the government-authorized hotel to the next quarantine location:
- Private shuttle - Benson Airport Shuttle provides a shuttle service from Pearson International Airport to Durham GTA and the Peterborough area. They are equipped to follow self-distancing protocol. We recommend contacting them at least one week prior to departure to book your transportation.
- Private taxi or private transit service
- Private transit with a family member or friend
Public health measures to follow while in transit:
- wear a well-constructed, well-fitting, non-medical mask while in transit, unless you are alone in a private vehicle
- practice physical distancing of 2m when possible, such as sitting in the back away from the driver
- sanitize your hands when entering/exiting the vehicle
- avoid contact with surfaces frequently touched by passengers or other drivers
- remain in the vehicle as much as possible: pay at the pump for gas and use drive-through when you need food
- avoid stops and contact with others while in transit
- avoid using the recirculated air option for the car's ventilation during passenger transport; use the car's vents to bring in fresh outside air and/or open the vehicle windows
How Do I Get a Canadian SIM While in Quarantine?
It’s important to have access to a phone while in quarantine. Should you have an emergency or fall ill, you need to be able to access a phone to call 911. Toronto Pearson Airport has a cell provider booth, Chatr Mobile, that you can visit and buy a local SIM card or phone, during business hours.
| Examples of providers that provide temporary SIM cards that can be delivered to your place of quarantine. | Students can also obtain a temporary Canadian phone number through some apps: |
| Amazon Bell Best Buy Freedom Rogers |
*Internet connection is required to access these app services |
What do I do if I develop COVID-19 symptoms?
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, please see the Government of Canada’s instructions for symptoms and treatment of COVID-19.
If your symptoms are mild, call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 to speak with a health professional. If your symptoms are severe, call 911.
Inform the Trent International Quarantine Support Team by email tionline@trentu.ca or Trent University Check-in Webform so we can support you.
What will my health insurance cover?
Here is an overview of what your student health insurance will cover, however, please visit our health insurance webpage for comprehensive information.
| UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) | Trent Student Benefits (Student VIP) |
|---|---|
|
Mandatory Primary Health Plan
* Full policy coverage is limited to members living in Ontario and Hull/Gatineau, Quebec
Apply for your e-card 1 week prior to arrival: |
Extended Health & Dental Benefits Plan
* Home Country Coverage (for studying remotely in your home country due to COVID-19 only) See coverage details & limits here. Download your card on the first day of your enrolled term here. Won’t be in Ontario to start your studies? Opt-out the first month of each term. Email benefits@trentcentral.ca |
| Email: uhip@trentu.ca | Email: benefits@trentcentral.ca |
Are vaccinations a Canadian entry requirement?
As of now, vaccination is not a requirement for entry into Canada. All individuals, regardless of vaccination status are required to quarantine for 14-days upon arrival. Our advice to all students is to receive their vaccination as soon as possible. If you are unable to obtain a vaccine in your home country, all international students will be eligible to receive a vaccination in Canada.
Will I require a vaccination to live on-campus?
Students who will be living in Trent's on-campus housing will be required to have obtained at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination prior to moving-in in September. If you are not able to receive this first dose before move-in day, there will be 2-week accommodation period during which students can schedule and receive a vaccination locally. Trent's Housing department will be in communication with specific details about this requirement. If you have questions about planning your safe arrival to Canada, please refer to Trent's detailed Safe Arrival guide.
If I obtain a COVID-19 vaccine in Canada, will it be covered under my health insurance?
The cost of an in-Canada vaccination is covered by an international student's mandatory health insurance. In the event that you can only receive the first dose before arriving, be assured that you will be able to receive a second dose in Canada, as per Health Canada's guidelines.
Do I require a vaccination record?
If you have been vaccinated, be sure to keep your proof of vaccination with your passport and immigration documents, as you may be asked to provide it in the future.