An airplane arrives at an airport at sunset. Photo courtesy Ken Yam on Unsplash.

Travel

Travelling Safely

You are expected to quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days once you arrive in Nova Scotia unless you already live in Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island. Every adult from outside these provinces needs to complete a Nova Scotia Safe Check-In Form before they travel to the province.

If you are travelling internationally, please consult the Government of Canada's latest travel guidance. You must test negative for COVID-19 before travelling to Canada, and additional restrictions went into effect on February 22:

Please be aware that Nova Scotia remains in a State of Emergency and several federal advisories and orders are in place.

Key Safety Measures

  • Non-essential travel outside NS/PEI is prohibited.

    Faculty and staff should leave these Atlantic provinces only for essential purposes. Travel outside these provinces requires the approval of the President or a Vice-President, submitted via a Director or Dean.

    Students are strongly encouraged not to leave the designated travel zone (currently NS/PEI), even on weekends and study break.

  • Anyone arriving in the Atlantic provinces must quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days. Students returning from out-of-province travel should get a COVID-19 test.


    The Nova Scotia government recommends that students returning to Nova Scotia from out-of-province travel schedule a COVID-19 test on day 6, 7, or 8 of their mandatory 14-day self-isolation period. Your COVID-19 test will be done at Acadia, and transport is available if needed. You can learn more by reading the government's fact sheet for post-secondary students (PDF), and book an appointment online.

    Acadia is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for international students. International students should review required documents and procedures for travel in Canada, including the use of the ArriveCAN app/service.

  • Quarantine (self-isolate) effectively.

    Everyone sharing a residence with a traveler who is quarantining (self-isolating) must also self-isolate for 14 days, and everyone in the residence must stay on the property: do not go for a walk, to school, to stores, or to work. Students travelling from New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador are advised to follow the NS Provincial Essential Travel guidelines when completing their 14-day quarantine (self-isolation) period.

    If you are an international student quarantining off-campus, please complete a Quarantine (Self Isolate) Off-campus Request Form. We are also planning services and resources for students who are quarantining (self-isolating) both on-campus and off-campus.

    All students, faculty, and staff are asked to perform a daily self-assessment based on provincial guidelines.
A student puts on his headphones as he travels across the University Hall's front lawn.

Travel Update

The Government of Canada is implementing several additional restrictions, including additional mandatory COVID-19 tests and the use of ArriveCAN for all travelers arriving via land or air. International travelers arriving by air will be required to book a 3-night stay in a government-approved hotel.

Travel FAQ

Is the Atlantic Bubble still in effect?

New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador

As of January 9, 2021, new travel restrictions apply to those returning to Nova Scotia from New Brunswick. Students travelling from New Brunswick are advised to follow the NS Provincial Essential Travel guidelines when completing their 14-day quarantine (self-isolation) period. Please monitor government announcements for details. These restrictions also apply to students returning to Nova Scotia from Newfoundland and Labrador, effective February 10.

Price Edward Island

The province of Price Edward Island has suspended its participation in the Atlantic Bubble agreement. As of February 10, 2021, Nova Scotia has not imposed restrictions on visitors arriving from PEI. This means that you are currently able to return to Acadia from PEI without quarantining. However, if you leave Acadia to visit PEI, you will have to quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days upon your arrival there. Students who started their travel in Prince Edward Island and who are travelling through New Brunswick with minimal or no stops will not be subject to the 14-day self-isolation period.

Please be aware of local regulations and requirements before you leave Nova Scotia.

 

I'm thinking about travelling outside the province, is that OK?

Once you arrive at Acadia, we strongly encourage you not to leave the designated travel zone (currently Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island), even on weekends and study break. Staff and faculty are limited to essential travel only, requiring approval of a Vice-President or President.

Anyone returning from travel from outside of these provinces must follow the quarantine (self-isolation) rules of the province and quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days before returning to campus. Students travelling from New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador are advised to follow the NS Provincial Essential Travel guidelines when completing their 14-day quarantine (self-isolation) period.

What do I need to know before travelling to Nova Scotia?
  1. Review Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Post Secondary fact sheet.
  2. Every adult (18 or older) arriving from outside Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador is required to complete the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in prior to arriving in Nova Scotia.
  3. Every international student needs to complete an ArriveCAN check-in using the app, website, or toll-free number. You are also required to complete the Nova Scotia provincial check-in.
I’m worried about obtaining my study permit. Do I need to apply for a deferral?

To study on campus at Acadia in Winter 2021, you must have a valid study permit or letter of introduction, and you must be able to travel to Nova Scotia by January 3rd, 2021. Learn more about your options to study virtually or defer your studies.

I'm an international student trying to make travel arrangements. Who can I contact?

Please visit the Wong International Centre's Arrival and Orientation page to learn about travelling to Canada. Staff are available online to provide assistance with immigration documents, taxes, and other questions.

I am an international student arriving to Nova Scotia from outside of Canada – is this the only form I need to present at the border?

No, you are required to provide additional documentation. Please review the Travel Document Checklist outlined on the International Students – Arrival and Orientation page.

You will need to use the ArriveCAN app to provide travel and contact information, a quarantine plan, and a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment, and you'll need to show your ArriveCAN receipt when you arrive. You will also need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken before your flight.

Within 48 hours of arriving in Canada, you need to confirm that you have arrived at your place of quarantine or isolation.

You will also need to complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during your quarantine period using the ArriveCAN app or calling 1-833-641-0343 (toll free).

I'm having difficulties finding a test before my flight to Canada.

Effective January 7, all travellers five years of age or older must provide proof of a negative laboratory test result for COVID-19 to the airline prior to boarding a flight to Canada. There are time-limited flexibilities for travellers departing from some countries in recognition of the need for testing systems to adjust.

I already had COVID-19 in my home country. Do I still need to quarantine (self-isolate) in Canada?

The Canadian government mandates that all international travellers must quarantine (self-isolate) for two weeks upon arrival, even if you have proof of having recovered from COVID-19 in your home country.

I am arriving from the United States – is this the only form I need to present at the border?

No, you are required to provide additional documentation. Please review the Travel Document Checklist outlined on the International Students – Arrival and Orientation page.

Effective February 22, you will need to need to use ArriveCAN (app, website, or phone) to submit your contact, travel, and quarantine information prior to crossing the Canadian border by land or air.

I'm a returning student in a student exchange program. Who should I contact?

Students on exchange programs must notify Michael Holmes at michael.holmes@acadiau.ca when they arrive in Canada.

What about Acadia's faculty/staff travel health insurance?

Our travel health insurer, SSQ, will be covering all emergency medical expenses resulting from COVID-19 for those travelling outside of Canada effective October 1, 2020.

Remember that in all countries affected by the coronavirus, any directives issued by the local government and public safety authorities will supersede those of SSQ's assistance service. As a result, access to health care may be limited.

For more information, please contact your SSQ Insurance account manager or Human Resources.

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