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International Student Travel & Quarantine

VanArts is working to ensure the safety of all students and any co-arriving immediate family members by following guidelines issued by the Government of Canada and health authorities.

Please consult the Government of Canada’s Travel, Quarantine & Borders page for the most up to date information and tools for planning your travel to Canada.

Information in this guide will be shared with all international students travelling to Canada and any Canadian students returning to Canada from abroad.

*For the remainder of this guide, anything that applies to students also applies to any of their co-arriving immediate family members or any persons travelling to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mandatory Quarantine/Self-Isolation

Incoming international students are required to quarantine/self-isolate for 14 days immediately upon arrival in Canada in order to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission.  This requirement is enforceable by emergency orders under the Quarantine Act.

Government of Canada expands restrictions to international travel by land and air

On February 12, 2021, the Public Health Agency of Canada issued a news release with additional requirements for international travelers.

All travellers entering Canada by land

  • As of February 15, 2021, with some exceptions, will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours of pre-arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival.
  • As of February 22, 2021, will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival as well as toward the end of their 14-day quarantine.

All travellers arriving to Canada by air

  • As of February 22, 2021, with some exceptions, will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test when they arrive in Canada before exiting the airport, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine period.
  • With limited exceptions, will also be required to reserve, prior to departure to Canada, a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel at their own cost. Travellers will be able to book their government-authorized stay starting February 18, 2021. (These new measures are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travellers.)

All travellers arriving to Canada by land or air

  • As of February 22, 2021, will be required to submit their travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before crossing the border or boarding a flight.

Before Travelling to Canada

International students should not travel to Canada if they are sick.  Airlines may refuse to board anyone failing their health screening.  We recommend self-isolating before the departure date to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure before travelling.

We advise international students to select travel dates that will allow them to complete their 14-day quarantine before their first day of class.  If classes are in progress during a student’s quarantine or self-isolation, they will be supported in attending their classes online.

Use ArriveCAN to speed up the arrival process.  Information can be submitted easily and securely 48 hours before arriving in Canada.

In addition to standard documentation (e.g., passport, letter of acceptance, study permit), a quarantine plan will be required for entry to Canada.  This plan is expected to including quarantine location, details on transportation from the airport to the quarantine location, and how groceries and other essential services (including medical care) will be accessed while in quarantine.

Students are to email their travel information (name, flight details) and quarantine plan to studentservices@vanarts.com

Airport and Transportation Safety

Students are advised to check their airline specific requirements.  At a minimum, we recommend travelers:

  • Wear a face mask at the airport, during flight(s), and until arriving at their quarantine location
  • Maintain 2m (6ft) of social/physical distancing (when possible)
  • Wash their hands regularly using soap and water or hand sanitizer

Upon arrival in Canada, students should avoid public mass transit, continue wearing a mask, and travel by taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) from the airport to their quarantine location.

Selecting a Quarantine Location

Though students are free to arrange their own quarantine locations, they are advised to select a location that has the necessities of life where they can avoid contact with others for the duration of their quarantine.

VanArts has identified the following nearby hotels with suitable quarantine suites and have arrangements in place to ensure access to the necessities of life:

GEC Granville Suites – 718 Drake Street, Vancouver, BC

YWCA Hotel – 733 Beaty Street, Vancouver, BC

More information on these locations and their procedures for welcoming quarantining students is available by clicking the links above or by contacting studentservices@vanarts.com

Accessing Necessities of Life

There are several local grocery stores and restaurants with delivery services available near VanArts and the recommended quarantine locations listed above.

Grocery stores and restaurants with delivery options include:

Pharmacies with delivery options include:

Medical Insurance

BC Medical Insurance is required by law for all students, international as well as Canadian, through the Medical Services Plan of B.C. (MSP). Students from outside British Columbia and international students should apply for B.C. Medical insurance as soon as they arrive and have established an address in BC. Forms are available in the Student Services office and Medical Services Plan website.

There is a three-month waiting period before students are eligible for MSP. During the waiting period, students are advised to maintain coverage through their existing insurance policy or for the duration of their waiting period through a private insurance broker.

Self-Monitoring During Quarantine

It is essential that students in quarantine self-monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms.  Students are asked to contact studentservices@vanarts.com if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms while in quarantine.

The BC COVID-19 website has links to download the BC COVID-19 App and to a Self-Assessment Tool Self that will help students monitor their health and determine if they need to be tested.

If testing for COVID-19 is required, follow this link to find a BCCDC testing location. Students may speak with a medical professional by calling HealthLink BC (8-1-1).

Students are required to report their symptoms daily using ArriveCAN (iOS, Android, web-based).

Attending Classes Online During Quarantine

Though we advise students to arrive at least 14 days before classes being, if students are in quarantine or self-isolation while their classes are in progress, they will be supported with access to VanArts systems, an introduction to and means of communicating with their instructors and fellow students, and they will be able to attend classes and any student functions online.

Student Services Check-ins

All students in quarantine will be called by VanArts on upon arrival in Vancouver. The purpose of this call will be to confirm arrival in Vancouver, and that students are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.  Regular check-in calls will be made throughout the quarantine period to ensure students are following all quarantine requirements and are reporting their condition daily using ArriveCAN (iOS, Android, web-based).

Student Services is also be able to advise students on how to access necessities of life (e.g., food, pharmacies, medical care) while in quarantine.  Students may ask about this during daily check-in calls or by contacting studentservices@vanarts.com.

Any compliance issues within the quarantine period will be reported to local bylaw officers.

COVID-19 Information & Mental Health Resources

Questions?

Contact Student Services or VanArts Administration Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm:

Ken Priebe
Communications/Students Services Manager
ken@vanarts.com

Colin Phillips
Operations Manager
colin@vanarts.com