International travel during the COVID-19 pandemic

Effective February 28, 2022, Global Affairs Canada adjusted its Travel Health Advisory for Canadians travelling internationally from a Level 3 ("avoid non-essential travel") to a Level 2 ("practice special precautions"). 

Additional information can be found on the Government of Canada’s website.

This means that from February 28th on, university sanctioned activities abroad have resumed for students for countries and regions that are listed at “practice usual precautions” and “practice special precautions.”

UVic faculty and staff are no longer required to seek vice-presidential authorization to travel on centrally/departmentally-funded budgets; with the exception of staff planning to travel to a country listed as "avoid all non-essential travel" or "avoid all travel".

The Government advises "travellers should understand the risks that are still associated with international travel given the high incidence of Omicron, and take necessary precautions."

Further to the Government of Canada's advisories, all travellers need to be aware of and understand their obligation to satisfy, and continually monitor, health and safety requirements established by the official health offices from all levels of government of the destination country, International SOS and other authorities or sources. 

Please see below for specific resources for students, faculty and staff. 

Participants of domestic off-campus activities are encouraged to follow these steps to the extent as they apply to them and help mitigate their travel risk.

Please see below for specific resources for students, faculty and staff. 

Students

Please visit the Travel safety for students page for more information. 

Faculty and Staff

Details and resources can be found on the Travel safety for Faculty and Staff page.