Travel Safety for Faculty and Staff

The Government of Canada (GoC) provides travel advice and advisories for Canadians travelling abroad. Program coordinators should review and monitor this information regularly. Subscribe to GoC's email updates and/or social media channels, and download their Travel Smart App. 

UVic’s Off-campus activity risk management policy restricts staff travel to countries with an official travel advisory stating "avoid non-essential travel" and "avoid all travel". 

In addition to reviewing the Government of Canada travel advisories, all travellers should consult the current data security advice for international travel and confirm if further steps are required prior to departure in order to access university technologies abroad. 

It can take several months, even up to a year, depending on where you are going and what kind of experience you are planning, to complete all the necessary requirements for overseas travel.

Passport

• If you need to apply for or renew your passport, start the process well before your planned departure from Canada. Allow more time if you need a visa, since you’ll need to obtain a passport first. 
• It is a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport (and other important documents) in a separate location.
• Check the entry/exit and passport validity requirements by country.

Travel Visas

• Check the entry and exit requirements of your destination country.
• Visas are issued by foreign government offices in Canada.
• If you require a Visa and your Visa application requires proof of your UVic medical coverage, contact HR - Benefits to request a letter.
• If you are travelling on a non-Canadian passport, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are going to for information on visa requirements.

Canada Customs

You can find information about certificates, duty, and other border services and requirements on the Canada Border Services website.

International Driving Permit

Depending on where (and for how long) you are going abroad, it may be advantageous to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Learn how to obtain an IDP for BC residents.

Based on your current health status, immunization history and anticipated itinerary, a health-care provider can assess your individual health risks and advise you on vaccination requirements, your need for preventive medication (e.g., for malaria) and personal protective measures.

For more information on immunization and contact details consult Victoria’s Health Unit and visit Travel health and safety.

Please login to International SOS with your netlink ID and enter your information in the travel registry as soon as you are able to, and at least 3 weeks in advance of your travel date. 

By enrolling in the travel registry it enables UVic to monitor faculty and staff safety, provide updates on travel advisories from the Canadian Government, and locate and provide assistance in case of an emergency.

Note: Even if you don't have all your travel details arranged yet please enter what you have. You can always log back in to add more information.

Any personal trips or vacation scheduled are the sole responsibility of the traveller and don't need to entered in UVic's Travel Registry.

All UVic travellers are required to possess out-of-country travel insurance.

Regardless of your insurance plan, it is important to review and become familiar with exactly what your plan covers, how long it lasts, and where and how it works.

Check if your health insurance coverage or emergency travel assistance have any limitations or restrictions associated with your planned destination, especially if you are travelling to a country with a special Government of Canada travel advisory.

Note: Certain Employee Benefits are first payee, meaning that they will be used first if you purchase other travel medical insurance coverage. Check with Human Resources to determine if your Employee Benefits are first payee and how this may impact you.

• Visit the Government of Canada website for more information on the importance of out-of-country travel insurance, and what coverage to look for. 
• Review Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage guidelines while out of province. You may be eligible to maintain coverage for up to 24 consecutive months while temporarily outside of BC.
• BC Ministry of Health Information on Temporary Absence from British Columbia 
• Pack your BC CareCard or BC Services Card. 
• Pack your insurance card from your extended health insurance provider. If you don't have a printed copy, you can print it from the member website.

Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) is a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify you in case of an emergency at home. This service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Persons holding international passports should check with individual consular services in their home country. 

• Obtain country-specific travel reports, as well as security and safety warnings, at the Government of Canada website.
• Government of Canada travel reports provide information about local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions, and other important travel issues.

UVic offers a comprehensive curriculum that supports students in preparing for their international experience, develop their intercultural competencies while abroad and debrief their experiences upon return. Even though written for students these resources can also help other travellers develop their intercultural abilities.

Additional useful resources:

Centre for Intercultural Learning - Provides an insight and resourceful information on different countries and their cultures.

Geert Hofstede's 6D model of national culture

Coping with Culture Shock 

Laray Barna (1994) "Stumbling blocks in intercultural communication"

Peggy McIntosh (1989) “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.”

TED Talk: "The danger of a single story" (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) 

TED Talk: "Overcome Bias" (Vernā Myers)

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The Government of Canada lists various emergency assistance contact information for Canadian citizens abroad.