Trip Safety

General Safety Information

International travel comes with a set of safety & health risks and the tools provided to you here are designed to minimize those risks. Use the resources available to you here to ensure that your international experience is as safe and healthy as possible.

If you are traveling abroad for a U of S funded/approved trip, you must complete specific requirements.

Health and Travel Insurance

Students participating in an international experience should obtain adequate medical coverage for travel outside of the country. This includes two types of insurance coverage:

Basic provincial health coverage; and
Supplemental medical coverage for travelers.

You should already have basic provincial coverage, either from Saskatchewan Health or your province of permanent residence (to which you pay taxes). If you go abroad, you will also have to make arrangements for extended medical coverage.

It is your responsibility to find out what health coverage you require for your travels abroad, the requirements are different based on the type of program.

NOTE: For more information about supplemental out-of country health insurance, click here.

Immigration

Do not leave immigration matters to the last minute. In some instances, the process can take up to 12 weeks!

Students are responsible for handling their own immigration matters and obtaining their own passports and visas. Once the student finalizes their stay abroad they need to contact the nearest consulate for the country they will be visiting.

Passport

A Canadian passport is valid for five years. Renewing a passport abroad can be complicated, so ensure that your passport does not expire until well after your anticipated return to Canada. The consulates of some countries require that your passport does not expire for six months after your return to Canada.

Passport applications can be downloaded from the Passport Canada website. You must obtain your passport before you can apply for a visa.

Visas

Each country has its own requirements for student visas. It will be your responsibility to comply with these requirements.

Usually, you need to be formally admitted to the Host Institution before you are eligible for a student visa. If you are admitted, the Host Institution will supply you with a Letter of Acceptance. The original of this letter must accompany your student visa application to the local consular office or embassy for the country in which you plan to study. You may also need to provide other documents such as proof of financial support, health insurance, medical records, criminal records check, and/or a birth certificate.

Depending upon the country your visa could take several months to process. Find out in advance and be ready to apply as soon as you receive a Letter of Acceptance from the Host Institution.

Preparing to Go Guide

Make sure to check out the Student Preparing to Go Guide as it contains an overview of the issues you need to consider for your traveling abroad.

Emergency contact cards

Students going abroad can use the Emergency Contact Card service provided by ISSAC. You will be provided with and must carry an Emergency Contact Card with you at all times while outside of Canada. The Emergency Contact Card can be picked up from ISSAC during the office hours.

Information for Canadians Abroad

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Travel reports and warnings

- Go Abroad