Ibrahim Gardner
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges for universities worldwide, including how to support international students who have to undergo mandatory quarantine procedures. International students arriving in Canada, the UK, and the US may be subject to quarantine requirements, which vary depending on the country and local regulations. These procedures can include providing a detailed quarantine plan, undergoing COVID-19 testing, and staying in designated quarantine facilities or accommodations. Universities play a crucial role in assisting international students during quarantine by offering practical, logistical, and psychological support to ensure a smooth and safe transition to their campus communities.
Do international students have to quarantine?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Date | From 5 July 2021 |
| Who | International students |
| Requirements | Fully vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) |
| Number of doses | Two doses (except for Janssen, which is a single dose) |
| Time between doses | Administered weeks apart |
| Time since last dose | 14 days before arrival |
| Other requirements | Asymptomatic, pre- and on-arrival COVID testing |
| Country | US |
| Date | From 6 August 2020 |
| Who | International students |
| Requirements | N/A |
| Country | UK |
| Date | From 8 July 2021 |
| Who | International students travelling from red list countries |
| Requirements | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Canada
International students travelling to Canada are advised to have a quarantine strategy in place, even if they have been fully vaccinated. This is because border officials will determine whether travellers meet all the requirements for exemption.
Quarantine Exemption Requirements
To be eligible for the quarantine exemption, international students must have received a full course of vaccination at least 14 days before arrival. This can include a combination of vaccines, such as AstraZeneca and Pfizer, and must be accompanied by proof of vaccination in English or French, or with certified translation. Accepted vaccines include Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Students vaccinated with the latter need only have received one dose.
Quarantine Requirements
If students are not eligible for the exemption, they must isolate for 14 days at a government-approved location and complete a daily medical declaration via the ArriveCan app. They must also undergo mandatory pre-departure and on-arrival COVID testing. Students must also register their contact and travel information before entering Canada.
Additional Information
The Canadian government has expressed its recognition of the benefits that international students bring to the country, and has introduced temporary policy changes to accommodate them during the pandemic. International students are advised to check the latest travel advice for their country of origin, as this may affect their ability to travel.
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International students in the US
As of August 6, 2020, the CDC discontinued its guidance that required asymptomatic international students to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the US. Therefore, universities are no longer requiring newly arriving international students to quarantine. However, the CDC recommends that students arriving from abroad take certain precautions, such as maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others, wearing masks when outside their homes, and regularly washing their hands or using hand sanitizer. Additionally, students should monitor their health and look out for symptoms of COVID-19.
It is important to note that quarantine requirements and travel restrictions can vary by state and change over time. For example, international graduate students residing within the United States and travelling from certain states specified by the New York Governor's office were still required to undergo a 14-day quarantine as of February 10, 2022. Furthermore, travel restrictions and vaccination requirements can impact an international student's ability to enter the US or return to their home country.
In Canada, international students arriving in British Columbia (BC) and other provinces must follow specific quarantine protocols. All international travellers arriving in BC must submit a self-isolation (quarantine) plan for approval prior to travel. This plan must include details on where the student will stay during the 14-day isolation period. Additionally, all air passengers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before travelling to Canada and undergo a mandatory 3-night stay in a government-approved hotel, followed by an 11-day quarantine. These requirements come at the student's expense and must be arranged before entering Canada.
International students should stay updated with the latest guidelines provided by their specific state or province, as well as federal recommendations, to ensure they are complying with the necessary quarantine and travel requirements.
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Quarantine support
International students travelling to a new location for their studies may be required to quarantine upon arrival. The quarantine period can be challenging for these students, who may lack the necessary resources and network in their study destination. However, universities and colleges are offering various support services to help international students during their quarantine.
International students can benefit from the following types of support during their quarantine:
- Planning and coordination: Universities can help students plan their quarantine in detail, including airport pickup, transportation, selection of quarantine facilities, provision of necessities, and ensuring a balanced and healthy diet.
- Financial assistance: Some universities offer financial support for quarantine costs, including accommodation, food, and taxi fares from the port of arrival.
- Quarantine packages: Certain colleges provide quarantine packages that include accommodation, food, and other necessities for the quarantine period.
- Information and guidance: Institutions offer live information sessions and resources to keep students updated on travel and quarantine requirements. They also guide students on receiving food and other supplies during quarantine.
- Mental health support: Regular check-in calls and psychological support from university staff can help students cope with the mental health challenges of quarantine.
- On-site support: 24-hour on-site support ensures the safety and well-being of students during quarantine.
- Quarantine buddy schemes: Some universities offer buddy schemes, connecting students with peers for social support during their quarantine period.
Examples of Quarantine Support by Institutions
- University of Dundee: Offers a support package that includes contributing to taxi fares and providing lateral flow devices, an online calendar of activities, and virtual meetups during self-isolation.
- University of Kent: Provides a reimbursement of quarantine costs for students arriving from countries on the UK Government's red list, along with a Quarantine Buddy Scheme.
- Carleton University: Maintains an International Student Service Office that conducts live information sessions and provides resources to keep students informed about travel and quarantine requirements.
- Langara College: Assists students in reserving hotel stays for quarantine and provides a supporting travel letter upon receiving the student's quarantine plan.
- Algoma University: Prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students and staff, offering a dedicated email address for COVID-related queries and a COVID-19 resource page.
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Exemptions
Canada
Beginning July 5, 2021, the Canadian government announced that fully vaccinated international students could be exempted from the mandatory 14-day quarantine upon entering the country. To be eligible, students must have received the full series of an approved vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, or Janssen) at least 14 days before arrival. They must also be asymptomatic and undergo pre- and on-arrival COVID testing. Students need to provide documentation supporting their vaccination status, either in English or French, or with a certified translation. This exemption does not extend to tourists, and unvaccinated travellers must still follow the quarantine rules.
United States
As of August 6, 2020, the CDC discontinued its guidance requiring asymptomatic international students to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the US. While international students arriving from their home countries are exempt, international graduate and undergraduate students residing within the US and arriving from specified states may still need to quarantine for 14 days.
United Kingdom
The University of Dundee in Scotland offers support for international students travelling to Dundee for on-campus learning, including covering the costs of managed quarantine (up to £1750) for those arriving from red list countries. The University also provides assistance for students arriving from amber and green list countries, such as self-isolation guidance, lateral flow devices, and virtual support.
It is important to note that quarantine requirements and exemptions may change over time, and international students should stay updated with the latest guidelines provided by their destination countries and educational institutions.
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Quarantine plans
Canada
The Canadian government has implemented specific requirements for international students travelling to the country. As of February 22, 2021, all international students arriving in Canada by air must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. This includes a 3-night stay at a government-approved hotel, followed by an 11-day quarantine at a pre-reserved location. Students must submit a detailed quarantine plan to the relevant authorities and their educational institution prior to their arrival in Canada. This plan should include their quarantine location and how they intend to manage their daily needs during the quarantine period. The cost of the government-approved hotel stay is approximately $2000, covering accommodation and food.
Some colleges in Canada, such as Yorkville University in Vancouver, have developed COVID-19 safety plans to facilitate the safe return of international students to campus. These plans outline various measures to control the spread of COVID-19 and provide resources for students during quarantine. Additionally, colleges like Seneca College and NorQuest College have dedicated email addresses for students to seek support and information regarding their quarantine plans and requirements.
United States
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously mandated a 14-day quarantine for asymptomatic international students arriving from abroad. However, as of August 6, 2020, the CDC discontinued this guidance. Currently, international students travelling to the United States are not required to quarantine upon arrival. Instead, they are advised to follow certain protective measures, such as maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, practising hand hygiene, and monitoring their health for any COVID-19 symptoms.
United Kingdom
The University of Dundee in Scotland has offered financial support for quarantine costs for its international students. The university covers the expenses of managed quarantine, up to a maximum of £1750, for new, existing, and returning international students travelling to Dundee for on-campus learning. This support is specifically for students arriving from their home country or countries on the UK's red list. Additionally, the university provides guidance and support for students arriving from amber list countries, including COVID-19 testing, an online calendar of activities, and assistance with accessing food and other supplies during self-isolation.
Other Considerations
When planning for quarantine, international students should consider various factors. Firstly, they should be prepared to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before travelling to their destination country. Additionally, they should research and follow the specific guidelines and requirements of their host country and educational institution. It is important to stay updated with the latest information, as quarantine policies may change over time. Furthermore, students should also consider their physical and mental well-being during quarantine and seek support from their institution if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students entering Canada have to quarantine for 14 days. Students must submit a quarantine plan to the College and reserve a 3-night stay at a government-approved hotel before travelling.
As of August 6, 2020, international students entering the US are no longer required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. However, international students residing in the US may have to quarantine if they are travelling from certain states specified by the New York Governor's office.
International students entering the UK from red-list countries have to quarantine in a hotel at their port of entry. The University of Dundee covers the costs of quarantine accommodation for new, existing, and returning students.
Universities can provide various forms of support for international students in quarantine, such as transportation, healthy meals, daily check-ins, and psychological support.
