International Travel

When faculty, staff, and students register their travel with International SOS, it ensures that the University can respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.

How to register your international travel:

1. Create an account with International SOS following the instructions above.
2. Under “My Travel Tools” at the top of the page, select “My Trips.”
3. To enter a new trip, select “Start Adding Your Trips.”
4. Select “Trip Type” (e.g. flight) and enter all required trip information (e.g. airline, flight #, departure city, departure time, arrival city, arrival time). For multiple flights/connections, you’ll have to input each flight separately. Use the “+” icon at the bottom of the page to add additional flights.
5. Once you’ve saved your trip, it will appear under “My Upcoming Trips” under the “My Trips” tab. The same trip information will be automatically uploaded to the International SOS app as well. If your trip information changes, be sure to edit/update it online or in the app.
6. Prior to the start of your trip, you will receive destination-specific updates and alerts from International SOS via your Dalhousie email (e.g. entry/exit requirements, travel alerts advisories, vaccination recommendations and requirements, etc.).

International SOS App

You can also register your travel directly inside the International SOS app using the same “My Trips” feature. To download and activate the app, you will need to create an account using your Dalhousie NetID and Dalhousie’s International SOS membership number (see above).

If you require any assistance registering your travel, please contact the International SOS Online Help team by visiting the Client Support Platform and selecting “Further Help” at the bottom of the page.

Pre-departure steps & requirements

Managing the risks of traveling international is a shared responsibility between the University and individual travellers. Prior to travel, students must complete a series of pre-departure steps and requirements, as facilitated by the International Centre and/or the International Office at the Agriculture Campus. These include registering your international travel with International SOS, confirming your emergency contact information, arranging international travel and health insurance coverage, and completing a series of pre-departure workshops/modules on Brightspace. More broadly, it may also include opportunities for learning around international travel logistics, cross-cultural communication, academic systems abroad, health and safety abroad, and other related topics.

International SOS app

Travellers should also download the International SOS app. Once you register your travel inside the app, up-to-date information about your destination, including site-specific emergency alerts, will be sent directly to your phone. In the case of emergency alerts, the app will ask you to “check in” to confirm your safety and wellbeing. The tracking function on the app can be easily enabled and disabled, depending on your preference.

Travel documents & insurance

You should also ensure you have required documents and insurance coverage, including:

• Required travel documents (ex: passports, visas, permits, etc.) for your destination.
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: This is mandatory for students and strongly recommended for faculty and staff.
• Appropriate travel health insurance: This is mandatory for all travellers. Students are required to carry travel health insurance provided by the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU). Alternate travel health insurance may be considered in circumstances where DSU insurance does not extend to fully cover the international travel/activity. The policies provided to eligible faculty and staff from Medavie Blue Cross, provide appropriate travel health insurance coverage. Faculty and staff with other medical insurance policies are responsible to ensure their coverage is sufficient.
• Other appropriate travel insurance, including coverage for the loss of personal property.

Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA)

Canadian travellers are also expected to register with the Canadian government’s online Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) system. If you are a citizen of a country other than Canada, please register your travel with the foreign office of your home country, where possible.

Incidents/emergencies during travel

In the event of a medical or security incident or emergency during travel, you should act to protect your own safety and contact International SOS as soon as possible for support and direction. You can contact International SOS via the app or by calling 1-215-942-8478. In such cases, International SOS will liaise with the University where necessary to ensure you receive appropriate support.

Dalhousie’s International Travel Policy also provides a process for requesting authorization to travel to high risk regions in certain situations. Travel restrictions are based on faculty/staff or student status:

1. Undergraduate students: Travel to destinations where the Government of Canada has advised to “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” is restricted. In exceptional circumstances, undergraduate students may request authorization from their Dean to complete a work-integrated learning experience in their home country, following the process outlined in section D.4. of the Policy.
2. Graduate students: Travel to destinations where the Government of Canada has advised to “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel” is not supported by the University. In exceptional circumstances, graduate students may request authorization from their Dean, following the process outlined in section D.4. of the Policy.
3. Faculty and staff: Travel to destinations where the Government of Canada has advised to “avoid all travel” is not supported by the University. In exceptional circumstances, faculty or staff members may request authorization from the relevant Dean or Administrative Head, following the process outlined in section D.4. of the Policy.

Risk Assessments and Safety Plans

A risk assessment and safety plan [PDF-300KB] is optional, but recommended, for:

• Students travelling to country or region that is subject to a Global Affairs Canada Level 1 (“Take normal security precautions”) or Level 2 (“Exercise a high degree of caution”) travel advisory.

A risk assessment and safety plan [PDF-300KB] is required for:

• Faculty, staff and students who request authorization to travel to a country or region that is subject to a Global Affairs Canada Level 3 (“Avoid non-essential travel”) or Level 4 (“Avoid all travel”) travel advisory, and
• Faculty and staff leading international field courses (to be completed with the students who will be participating in the field course).

A risk assessment and safety plan should consider information from the following sources:

• International SOS Destination Guides (use the search bar at the top of the portal home page)
• A personalized security plan from International SOS which you can request by calling 1-215-942-8478. 
• The Government of Canada’s International Travel Advice and Advisories page. 
• The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT).
• Dalhousie’s partners in the region.

Escalation of risk rating prior to planned travel

There may also be situations where travel has been planned to an authorized destination, but the Government of Canada increases its travel advisory to a restricted level prior to travel (for example: in the event of a natural disaster or political unrest). In such cases, the relevant Dean or Administrative Head will consult with appropriate members of the University community in as timely a manner as possible to determine whether and in what circumstances travel may proceed.

Dalhousie faculty, staff, and students can review the following information to minimize the likelihood of encountering difficulties when entering a foreign country. For additional support, please visit International SOS (NetID login required).

1. Travel Document Assessment:

• Ensure your passport is valid with at least 6 months before expiry.
• Obtain visa or other travel authorization if required for your destination.
• When traveling to the USA, use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App and access USA pre-clearance services within Canada, where available: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/preclearance.

2. Purpose of Travel:

• Bring printed and electronic versions of supporting documents to prove the purpose and details of your travel (E.G., invitation letter, conference registration, acceptance letter, proof of accommodation, return airline ticket or other proof of return plans, etc.)
• Do not bring restricted/prohibited items. Check the border services website of the destination country for details (e.g., certain foods, medications, etc.).

3. Electronic devices:

• Border officers have broad discretion to require access to your electronic devices. Consider removing information from your device and apps that could be considered controversial or politically sensitive in your destination country. Follow Dalhousie’s guidance for preparing devices for travel and consult International SOS.

4. Consider risks associated with your personal history:

• Have you ever been denied entry, deported, or overstayed an authorized stay in any country?
• Do you have any criminal history, including minor offenses or conditional discharges?
• Check Global Affairs Canada and International SOS to assess whether the destination country is generally welcoming to people from your community (e.g. 2SLGBTQ+, citizens of certain countries, certain religions, etc.)