Updated November 30, 2022
Global Affairs Canada lifted the world-wide advisory to avoid non-essential travel anywhere outside of Canada as of February 28, 2022. As a result, all students are now able to travel internationally on University-sanctioned activities. Please note that travel will still not be allowed for undergraduate students for regions with Global Affairs Canada travel advisories of: “avoid non-essential travel” and “avoid all travel” as was the case pre-pandemic. If you are a graduate student that needs to travel to regions under those categories, for research or program completion purposes, please contact safety.abroad@utoronto.ca.
For all students travelling on University sanctioned activity, you must complete all safety abroad pre-departure requirements including checking travel advisories, completing safety abroad online workshops, securing travel health insurance and completing the safety abroad registry. More information on the safety pre-departure requirements for university activity abroad is available on the Safety Abroad website.
Should someone choose to travel, please review the Government of Canada Foreign Affairs website for travel advisories and ensure follow-up is conducted with their applicable travel insurance company regarding coverage restrictions. Public Health directives will need to be followed at the destination country as well as upon return to Canada (see Government of Canada website). For those returning to Canada after travelling abroad, please ensure that the travel requirements, e.g. testing, quarantine, vaccination, etc.) are followed and if COVID-19 related symptoms develop upon return. It is not necessary to contact Occupational Health (ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca) unless the employee has COVID-19 related symptoms.
For additional updates from the university related to COVID-19, please visit the VP Students COVID-19 FAQ page.
In addition to reviewing the Guidance on Research and Travel in the Context of COVID-19 & Other Respiratory Illnesses, please also note the following:
- For off-campus research without a face-to-face (F2F) component, researchers may choose (optional) to complete the Off-Campus Safety Planning Record (Risk Assessment).*
- For off-campus non-research activities (e.g. academic field trip, off-campus trips that may confer additional risks due to wildlife, remote location, equipment, etc.), units may choose (optional) to complete the Off-Campus Safety Planning Record (Risk Assessment).* This assessment may also apply in situations where students/staff are attending off-campus locations to use specialized equipment, engage in research collaborations, or to participate in any university sanctioned research activity. In circumstances where a placement agreement (Paid or Unpaid) exists between the university and the external site, please review relevant guidance.
*Formerly called the “Field Research Planning Record.” This form is designed to guide units in assessing potential risks (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 hazards). Non-COVID-19 hazards may include chemical and biological agents, remote travel, wild life, equipment/tools, etc.
Additional Guidelines contain detailed guidance for planning field research and implementing the requirements for reasonable care.
- Framework on Off-Campus Safety (PDF)
- Guidelines on Safety in Field Research (PDF)
- Off-Campus Safety Guidelines, Sections A to G (PDF)
Internal Websites
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- During COVID-19, please refer to the VPRI’s Update on COVID-19 and Research Operations and the VP Students FAQ page for more information.
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Research Re-start and Recovery Application Process.
- For Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) questions, please contact Health and Well-Being Programs and Services.