Guidelines for quarantine
If you are travelling to Montreal from outside Canada, you will need to follow some important public health regulations.
Monitor the government of Canada's page on COVID-19 travel restrictions for the latest information as you make your travel plans.
International students: Canada continues to maintain strict COVID-19 health and safety rules governing who can enter the country. Consult our FAQ.
Some travellers – including international students – who are eligible to enter Canada and considered fully vaccinated may qualify for an exemption from quarantine requirements — provided they meet certain additional criteria. You will still need a quarantine plan in place even if you are seeking the exemption.
Look into the rules that apply to you before you make travel plans.
Please note a border agent will approve your entry into Canada at their discretion.
If you have your own accommodations ready to move into, you may quarantine there.
For those who haven’t found housing in Montreal ahead of their arrival, Concordia is providing options with Hotel Management International (HMI) to offer you “quarantine accommodation” at discounted rates. Fill out the accommodation request form to access and reserve a Montreal-based hotel room.
Please note that you may not quarantine on campus. If you have a room in residence, plan to complete your quarantine before move-in day.
Being in quarantine means you must self-isolate in one location for the 14-day duration. During this period, you must:
- Not have visitors (friends, family, maintenance workers or utility workers for things like internet or phone set-up)
- Arrange to have your groceries or any medications you need delivered to you.
- Stay in a private area, such as a yard or balcony, if you go outside for fresh air. Neighbourhood walks are not permitted in quarantine.
- Monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19.
For more information: Government of Canada
Bring at least 14 days’ worth of any medication you need, and remember to pack all medication and important documents with you in your carry-on bag. If your bags are delayed, you will not be able to return to the airport to pick them up until after you have completed your quarantine. You should also have a face-covering to wear with you throughout your transit.
Public health officials suggest the following supplies:
- Non-medical mask or face covering (i.e., made with at least two layers of tightly woven fabric, constructed to completely cover the nose and mouth without gaping, and secured to the head by ties or ear loops)
- Disposable paper towels
- Thermometer
- Running water
- Hand soap
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
- Dish soap
- Regular laundry soap
- Regular household cleaning products
- Hard-surface disinfectant that has a Drug Identification Number (DIN), or if not available, concentrated (5%) liquid bleach and a separate container for dilution
- Appropriate cleaning products for high-touch electronics
Many grocery stores in Montreal offer online ordering and contact-free delivery, including Supermarché P.A., Supermarché Adonis, Metro, and IGA. You will need a credit card to pay for groceries, so be sure to have one when you arrive. You will not be able to open a bank account in Canada until after your quarantine period is over.
COVID-19 tests are currently administered in public test centers at no cost. Blue Cross health insurance also covers diagnostic tests - please refer the Health Insurance Booklet [PDF] for further details.
Laptops and tablets, as well as other types of equipment, can be borrowed from Concordia Library. For loan periods and other information about these services please check the Library's Borrow page.
If you no longer require loaned equipment, please contact the Service Desk at help@concordia.ca with the subject line “Equipment Return.” A Service Desk agent will be in touch to coordinate the equipment drop-off.
Resources and contacts
Remember to monitor Quebec public health for news and updates.
Still have questions?
- For general inquiries, contact the Birks Student Service Centre at students@concordia.ca.
- For immigration documents and international travel, email the International Students Office at iso@concordia.ca or join a virtual drop-in session.
- Email a Welcome Crew mentor at new@concordia.ca or chat with them on Facebook.
- Consider making a first-year support counselling appointment for help transitioning to Concordia.
- Look into the Navigator program, which pairs you with a staff member who can connect you to the services and support you need to succeed.
- See how to access mental health help and crisis resources.
