Conestoga news

February 19, 2021 1:46 PM

Message from International Education: Important updated information regarding travelling to Canada

The following message was sent on February 19 on behalf of International Education to international students planning to travel to Canada.


On February 22 at 12:00 a.m. EST, the Government of Canada will implement additional border restrictions requiring a mandatory 3-night hotel quarantine upon arrival in Canada. You must pre-book this hotel prior to your departure and costs are at the expense of the traveller. You can find the list of approved hotels here and reserve your mandatory 3-night hotel stay by calling 1-800-294-8253.

  • You are required to stay at this approved hotel location until your airport COVID-19 test result is confirmed as negative. 
  • Once your negative COVID-19 test result is received, you will be required to travel to your approved secondary quarantine location for the remainder of your quarantine.
  • If your test is positive, you will be required to self-isolate at a federally designated quarantine facility, also at the traveller’s expense.

Some students have communicated with us that they have postponed their travel arrangements.

Please note: You are not required to travel during this time. For your safety, we recommend that students consider postponing travel plans for a few months. The IRCC has announced international students will be able to complete their entire studies online from abroad and still be eligible for post-graduate work permits in Canada. Many programs are offered in a remote online format for out-of-country students. 

For students starting spring 2021, we recommend travelling no earlier than 30 days prior to the start of the semester (classes begin May 17). Plan your travel to Canada with information available on the Government of Canada's website. We also offer a Safe Arrival and Quarantine Plan webinar where you will receive guidance and have a chance to ask questions. Please click here to register for an upcoming webinar.

Should you have any questions, please reach out to our International Transition Team at internationaltransition@conestogac.on.ca who can guide you if you plan to come to Canada for your studies at Conestoga.

We will monitor any changes and update you as required.