Plan your Trip
In-Person Exchange Students
This website contains general information and resources. For more information, please refer to the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.
Visa considerations
If you plan to visit or transit through another country en route to Canada
You should check with that country’s Embassy/Consulate to find out which documents you and your accompanying family members will need to enter and/or transit through on your way to Canada. Make sure you apply well in advance!
Planning to transit through the United States?
You may require a visa to transit through the United States on your way to Canada. Before you book your flight to Canada, you should ensure that you have the proper documents. Check with the United States Embassy or Consulate closest to you. You can also find information about U.S. visa requirements on the U.S. Department of State website.
Travelling to Canada
Below are some important steps to help your prepare for your travel to Canada and entry into Canada:
Ensure your immigration documents are valid and in order
Make sure you carry:
- A valid identity document (e.g. passport)
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (if required)
- SFU letter of acceptance (Student Exchange Letter)
- Proof of funds available to support yourself while in Canada
- SFU confirmation of enrollment letter (downloadable from your student account)
- IRCC port of entry (POE) letter of introduction (for those who applied for a study permit only)
- Your study permit will be issued after an examination with a Border Services Officer
Know what is in your luggage (suitcases and carry-on luggage)
It is your responsibility to be familiar with the contents of all luggage you are bringing to Canada. Review the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website for more information about what you can and cannot bring into Canada.
Travelling with medication
Be prepared to answer questions about prescription medication that you are carrying. It is a good idea to make a list of all prescription medication in your luggage. Please visit the Government of Canada website for more information.
COVID-19
As of October 1, 2022, the Government of Canada removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada. Visit the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information before you plan your travel.
You may also wish to review our Frequently Asked Questions for International Students webpage for information about travel to Canada.
At the airport
Navigating through Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Check out the Vancouver International Airport website to get detailed maps of the airport from the plane to the arrivals area & ground transportation.
Passports are no longer stamped by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at airports with Primary Inspection Kiosks.
If you arrive at one of Canada's busiest international airports, including YVR, you can now verify your identity and make an on screen declaration using Primary Inspection Kiosks. If you need a stamp in your passport as a proof of entry into Canada, you must request a stamp from a border officer after completing a kiosk transaction.
Answer questions truthfully at the Primary Inspection Kiosk. If you are coming to Canada to study, declare that you will study in Canada.
Free WiFi
YVR has free WIFI throughout the airport should you need to connect your device while you are there.
Immigration Reminders
Provide honest, consistent and accurate information at the border
Be prepared to answer questions about what you will do and how long you are going to study in Canada. An interpreter may be available if you do not understand the questions; however, service is typically available in English and French.
Be patient at the border
During peak periods, you can expect to spend a few hours at the airport, during which time you may be unable to leave the immigration and customs area. You may bring some food and eat while you wait (please check what food you can bring here). There are vending machines (accepting Canadian coins only), washrooms and some seating in the waiting area.
Provide honest, consistent and accurate information at the border
Be prepared to answer questions about what you will do and how long you are going to study for in Canada. An interpreter may be available if you do not understand the questions. However, service is typically available in English and French.
If applicable, review your immigration documents issued at the airport (e.g. study permit)
When your study permit is issued to you, double check that the information on your permit to ensure that it is correct. Make sure your name, expiry dates and other information are correct on the study permit issued to you by the border officer. Check that your study permit has the condition" may accept employment" or "may work in Canada" as this is required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and to be able to work.
If you notice any errors on your immigration documents (e.g. name, personal information), request changes before you leave Immigration.
Prepare for your journey from the airport
Declaring your personal items to Canada Customs
Visit the Canada Border Service Agency's website for travel tips and customs regulations. Before arriving in Canada, you should review current regulations and prepare a list of items you will be bringing with you. Review our What to Pack section for further details.
If you are arriving at an airport with Primary Inspection Kiosks, you can use Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app to make an for a faster border experience. This is an optional feature built into ArriveCAN and available to international air travellers who enter Canada at several Canadian airports including Vancouver International Airport (YVR).