Safety abroad

Please review Waterloo guidance and frequently asked questions for University-sanctioned travel to the United States, based on updated travel advice from the Government of Canada. All University of Waterloo travellers are responsible for reviewing and ensuring compliance with entry and exit requirements to any destination. For students on co-op work terms please review the Work Abroad website. For all other questions, please contact safetyabroad@uwaterloo.ca. 

Safety Abroad supports students, staff and faculty travelling internationally. They help you prepare effectively for international travel and to assist you as you move around the world on university-sanctioned activities and business.

If you meet the travel safety requirements, you may embark on international travel for business, research, work terms, study, and co-curricular activities. All campus members are required to complete the international travel process to meet the University’s travel safety requirements.

Determine the advisory level of your destination

Before planning travel, refer to the  Government of Canada travel advice and advisories to determine the advisory level for your destination.

For travel to Level 1 (take normal security precautions) and Level 2 (exercise a high degree of caution) destinations, follow the process below. 

Travel to destinations identified as Level 3 (avoid non-essential travel) or Level 4 (avoid all travel) is considered high-risk by the University of Waterloo and generally not allowed. You must consult with your supervisor and receive approval from the Provost through the approval procedure for high-risk travel.

Additionally, please review the Government of Canada travel health recommendations prior to travel.