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Travel safety

The University of Ottawa's Travel Safety team helps students, faculty and staff plan safe and secure travel outside of Canada.

International travel

Travelling internationally may expose you to unique risks.  It is important for travellers and trip organizers to take the time to research the risks involved in travelling abroad and to develop a plan to mitigate those risks. The University of Ottawa is here to support you with the policy, procedures, and guidance to plan for safe and secure trips outside of Canada.

uOttawa travellers should be aware of the International Travel Safety Policy.  The information below summarises the key requirements for students and others travelling on University business.

Students

uOttawa Student Travel Registry

Completing the predeparture steps listed below is mandatory.  You will be required to complete these steps to qualify for mobility scholarships and to obtain uOttawa credits for your activities abroad.

  1. Complete the “Travel Risk Awareness- Security” course in the Digital Learning platform provided by International SOS or attend the live travel risk management workshop. You do not need to repeat the course for future trips.
  2. Register your trip.  Registration will help us to contact you in case there is an emergency.  It also connects you to the services of International SOS in case you need assistance related to your safety and well-being before or during your trip.

  3. Undergraduate students need permission to travel to a destination rated by Global Affairs Canada as “avoid non-essential travel” or “avoid all travel.”

    Graduate students need permission to travel to a destination rated by Global Affairs Canada as “avoid all travel.”

    If your trip needs approval, contact our office at [email protected] at least 10 business days before a potential trip. The International Travel Safety Committee will examine each trip in collaboration with the appropriate Dean or Vice Dean.

  4. Some faculties and programs may require additional preparation or approvals.  Your supervisor or faculty can provide you with more information.

Insurance

Undergraduate students who haven't opted out and who have paid their fees should have travel insurance through the uOttawa Student’s Union.  

Graduate students who haven't opted out and who have paid their fees should have travel insurance through the Graduate Student Association. 

If you've opted out from your student insurance plan, you might have insurance through a family member.  

If you don’t already have travel insurance, you must purchase your own.

Check the coverage you have.  If you’re travelling for an extended period, you probably need to inform your insurer.  If your trip involves high-risk activities or destinations, you might need to purchase additional insurance. For some programs or destinations, you might have to purchase specific additional insurance.

If you’re an international student, note that UHIP doesn’t cover you outside of Canada and your travel insurance most likely won’t cover you in your home country.

See the Government of Canada information on trip interruption and travel health insurance.

University of Ottawa students on international placements are insured for both general liability, health-care professional liability and workplace accidents under various policies put in place by the University’s Office of the Chief Risk Officer and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities of Ontario.

Please note that these policies contain limitations periods on the length of the placement, generally the length of a typical university term. If you’re planning a longer placement, then the OCRO should be contacted to arrange coverage.

Contact us

InfoService

Tabaret Hall
550 Cumberland Street, Room 129
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 6N5
Canada

[email protected]

Secure a spot in our virtual line for all services.

Hours of operation

September 1 to May 31: 
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

June 1 to August 31:
Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Please note that the University of Ottawa offices are closed during statutory holidays and during the winter break. Visit the Important academic dates and deadlines page for more information.