After arrival

Government of Canada removes COVID-19 testing requirements for air travellers from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and Macao

As of 12:01 a.m. EDT on March 17, 2023, air travellers to Canada on flights originating from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao are no longer required to provide evidence of a COVID-19 test result before boarding.

For more information:

All COVID-19 emergency border measures have ended

All federal border testing, quarantine, and isolation requirements have now ended. 

Travel restrictions may change with little warning. Please visit the Government of Canada’s COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders website for the most up-to-date information on planning your travel.

Last updated: March 21, 2023

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Getting vaccinated in BC

International students are eligible to be vaccinated in BC.

If you are unvaccinated, see how to get vaccinated for COVID-19. If you don’t have a Personal Health Number (PHN) yet, you will need to register by phone. A PHN will be created for you when you register. (*Important: This temporary PHN is not medical insurance. You still need to apply for the BC Medical Services Plan [MSP] as soon as possible).

If you are partially vaccinated or were vaccinated outside BC, see do I need another vaccine in BC?

  • If it is recommended that you get another dose, follow the instructions to submit your current vaccination record and register for your vaccination.
  • If you do not need another dose, follow the instructions to submit your current vaccination record, register in BC’s immunization registry, and download your BC Vaccine Card or Canadian Proof of Vaccination document.

If you require any help registering for your vaccination or downloading your proof of vaccination documents, contact the International Centre for Students at or +1 250 721 6361.

Requirements for travel within Canada and leaving Canada

Proof of vaccination is no longer required to board an airplane or train in Canada. Wearing a mask during travel is strongly recommended but is no longer required. For more information, see COVID-19: Travel, testing, and borders.

You do not need a COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination to board a plane or train in Canada unless you are flying to a country that requires it. Make sure to research the entry requirements of your destination before you travel.

Please check with your travel provider to confirm any documents (such as identification documents) required for boarding.

Proof of vaccination documents
Canadian Proof of Vaccination document
 
  • The Canadian (federal) proof of vaccination can be used when travelling within and outside of Canada, if required.
  • To get your document, go to and use your Personal Health Number (PHN) to download your document. Save a digital copy to your phone and/or print a paper copy.
  • If you plan to use this document for travel to other countries, be sure to research whether or not it will be accepted in your destination.
  • See About the Canadian COVID-19 proof of vaccination for current information.
BC Vaccine Card (proof of vaccination) 
  • As of April 8, 2022, there is no requirement for events, services or businesses to check proof of vaccination. Individual businesses and event organizers may opt to continue to require proof of vaccination for entry to their premises. For information about this program, see Proof of vaccination.
UVic self-declaration (vaccination status)

UVic students, staff and faculty coming to campus are no longer required to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Updated March 2023🡹