Information Hub COVID-19

You are responsible for ensuring compliance to all Canadian federal and Manitoban provincial health regulations and quarantine guidelines when traveling to Canada. Quarantine is mandatory for travelers entering Canada, even for people with no symptoms. Under changes announced June 5, 2021, you may be exempt from quarantine under some conditions, however all travelers must prepare a quarantine plan for the 14-days after they arrive in Canada.

Can I Travel?

Travel and border restrictions are determined by the Government of Canada.

To be able to enter Canada as an international student, you must meet 2 requirements:

1. Attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an approved Covid-19 readiness plan
   • The University of Winnipeg is on the Approved DLI list, and is eligible to welcome international students.

AND

2. Must have a valid study permit, or have been approved for study permit (applies to all students, including those coming from the US).

   • For more information about how COVID-19 is affecting study permits and post-graduate work permits issued by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), please refer directly to IRCC and their pandemic information website. You may also be asked by airlines to show proof that you are exempt from travel restrictions.

PACE students are advised to request a travel support letter from 2-3 weeks before departure by contacting applytopace@uwinnipeg.ca. You must submit a quarantine plan with your request form in order for our team to process the request.

You must have a confirmed seat in a program starting in the upcoming term to travel to Canada at this time. If you have deferred your start date, do not make any travel plans yet. Students starting studies in Fall term (August and September) should not plan to travel earlier 4-weeks before their first day of classes.

A border services officer will make the final decision on whether your reason for travelling to Canada is non-discretionary or non-optional. For more details, visit their website.

Please ensure you are familiar with the University's Travel, Arrival & Quarantine Protocol for PACE students. Note this information is subject to change as the public health situation evolves, please check this frequently.

What are the requirements for COVID testing and quarantine for students who are travelling?

If you arrive in Canada under an travel exemption, you will be subject to a mandatory 14 day quarantine or self-isolation. A border officer at port of entry to Canada will ask you for your  plan for quarantine. It is important travelers are aware of  guidelines provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Failure to follow quarantine procedures can result in imprisonment and/or fines.

As of February 15, 2021 whether you are flying or driving to Canada, a proof of negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure (by air) or entering Canada (by land) is mandatory (with few exemptions). Test should be of an approved type (e.g. PCR/LAMP) from a reputable laboratory recognized by the government authority in your country.

As of February 22, 2021 a post arrival COVID-19 test will be required after entering Canada (with some exceptions). Test will be performed at one of the four airports that can receive international flights (Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver) and 16 testing sites if entering through a land border. There will be a mandatory three-day stay at Government-authorized hotels while you wait for the test result you’re your personal expense), before you proceed to your final destination (Winnipeg) to complete the rest of your 14 day quarantine. In cases where a test result comes back positive, you will be shifted to the government-facilitated isolation facility or a suitable location.

As of July 5, 2021, you may qualify for certain exemptions if you:

• are eligible to enter Canada and are asymptomatic
• meet the Government of Canada requirements of fully vaccinated travellers
• meet all entry requirements, including entering information in ArriveCAN before arrival

Fully vaccinated travellers will be provided a take home test and will not be required to quarantine

Fully vaccinated travellers will still be required to submit a suitable quarantine/isolation plan, so that they can enter quarantine should they receive a positive test.

Download the FAQ on quarantine and isolation for international students prepared by IRCC on July 15, 2021.

Students who have have full vaccinated (i.e.: received two doses of a Canadian-approved vaccine more than 14 days before their arrival date) do not have to quarantine for 14-days upon arrival in Manitoba, if they have been granted the quarantine exemption at the border.

What vaccination should I get?

Always follow the advice from your local health authority regarding vaccine eligibility, availability and timing, to choose the vaccine that is most suitable for your personal circumstances.

However, for travel purposes, travel changes announced on July 5, 2021 may exempt you from some travel and quarantine requirements if you 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). 

What if I am a fully vaccinated traveller?

Travel changes announced on July 5, 2021 may exempt you from mandatory 14 day quarantine or self-isolation if you 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.

The approved vaccines are

• Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty, tozinameran, BNT162b2)
• Moderna (mRNA-1273)
• AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD (ChAdOx1-S, Vaxzevria, AZD1222)
• Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S)
• Click here to see more about vaccination requirements.

Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country, and must provide documentation supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation.

Fully vaccinated travellers must also be asymptomatic, have a paper or digital copy of their vaccination documentation, and provide COVID-19-related information electronically through ArriveCAN prior to arrival in Canada.

They must still present a suitable quarantine plan, and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet all of the conditions required to be exempt from quarantine.

Use ArriveCAN app, online at Canada.ca/ArriveCAN or call 1-833-641-0343 to enter travel information / quarantine plan / COIVD-19 symptoms within 48 hours of entering  Canada. This is mandatory as screening officer designated by PHAC will be checking your compliance with quarantine throughout the 14 days.

Use Flying to Canada checklist or Driving to Canada checklist to plan your trip.

If students have received one dose in their home country, will they be eligible for a second dose in Canada, and then obtain an immunization record?

Students who have received their first dose in their home country are eligible to receive a second dose in Manitoba after isolating for at least 14 days. Upon arrival, students should contact a local public health office to have their first dose recorded.

Healthcare professionals will advise them as to their vaccination schedule in Manitoba. Documentation would be proof of vaccination from their public health office or equivalent in their home country. Click here for a list of public health offices.

Are international students eligible to be vaccinated in Manitoba?

International students are eligible to be vaccinated in Manitoba after residing in the province for a minimum of 30 days. The Government of Manitoba will administer vaccines to non-Manitoba residents who have been isolating in Manitoba for at least 14 days, and who will remain in Manitoba for a further 16 days minimum, resulting in a total stay of no less than 30 days.

Non-residents must meet the minimum age requirement for each drug as listed in its eligibility criteria. Temporary residents must provide proof of date of entry to Manitoba, as well as documentation to support the reason and anticipated length of their stay (ie: student visa, work visa, immigration documents, etc.).

When attending their appointment, non-Manitoba residents (who live in Canada) must present valid photo ID and a Health Card issued by their home province/territory.

Non-Canadians must present a valid Passport ID.

All persons must complete the required consent form prior to their appointment, and bring it with them; Please note that certain areas of the form will not apply to non-residents, and should be left blank.

Immunization staff will collect alternate information as required, during the appointment.

If the vaccines students have received in their home country are not approved in Canada, is public health recommending students get vaccinated again?

Upon arrival, students who have been vaccinated in their home country should contact a local public health office to speak with a healthcare professional. Click here for a list of public health offices.