Travel safety
School and academic-related travel can be productive, safe and enjoyable if you are well-prepared, so planning is well worth the effort.
When traveling you may be out of your usual environment and far from your support structure, so learn in advance about cultures and rules that may be different from those you are used to. Considered all necessary medical requirements before you leave, and know what to do if an emergency occurs.
To learn more on travel emergencies and assistance visit our emergency procedure page on travel emergencies.
Travel advisory
For more information about Canada’s travel advice and advisories by destination, visit the Government of Canada’s webpage.
International Travel registry
If you are travelling outside of Canada on university business (work/study), you are encouraged to register your trip with Campus Safety and Prevention Services. This follows the Policy on Travel Outside of Quebec (VPSS-53).
The university’s International Travel Registry allows Concordia to identify where students and employees are when travelling, and provide emergency assistance, if required.
To submit your travel information:
- Go to the Travel Registry. (This link can also be found on the My CU Account page in Carrefour and the Student Hub.)
- Complete information under “New Trip”, and submit.
The information you provide is confidential and will only be used to help you in the event of an emergency or a natural disaster in the region where you are travelling.
You are encouraged to register if you are faculty, staff or student and are leaving the country for more than 24 hours to:
- Participate in an academic, research or professional activity which is related to your employment.
- Participate in an academic, research or professional activity which is related to your program of study or employment and if you receive an endorsement, direct financial contribution or in-kind contribution.
- Participate in a non-academic activity that may be student or university-organized, with a view to promoting or furthering the goals, purposes or any of the missions of the university (e.g., a volunteer outreach program organized by a student group or a department of the university).
General travel safety
Learning about the culture, health risks, crime, visa and vaccination requirements of the countries you visit will help keep you safe and avoid problems.
- Such information is available from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada website.
In the event your travels involve a destination with an associated travel warning issued by the Canadian government, you will be contacted by the Office of Emergency Management and provided with a travel risk assessment.
- You may also request a travel risk assessment by contacting the Office of Emergency Management.
While travelling, you should carry an emergency contact card with you at all times. Include the number of the nearest Canadian embassy as well as the phone number for Campus Safety and Prevention Services 514-848-3717. This number can be called collect 24/7 if you need assistance.
- Contact the Office of Emergency Management to receive an emergency contact card.
All staff, faculty and students who are Canadian citizens should register with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada. It is a free service offered by the Canadian government that keeps you connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.
- You can register online at travel.gc.ca.
Travel insurance
Ensuring you have adequate travel insurance coverage is your responsibility and it is mandatory if your trip falls under the guidelines stipulated in the Policy on Travel Outside of Quebec, VPSS-53.
Most home insurance policies, health plans and certain credit cards claim to provide travel insurance coverage as an added feature. However the conditions, limitations and maximum claim limits may not provide adequate coverage in the event of hospitalization or medical evacuation. You should purchase a travel insurance product from a recognized and reputable insurance company. In most cases, the cost of travel insurance is an approved travel expense.
In addition to providing travel safety, travel insurance may also be required to obtain a visa. For more information on International Travel Health Insurance, visit Visa Guide website.
The university corporate card does NOT provide adequate travel insurance coverage but may be used to purchase a travel insurance policy. See the Travel and Conference Policy, CFO-3.
Useful links
You can download these documents or request the printed versions from the Office of Emergency Management.
- Policy on Travel Outside of Quebec, VPSS-53
- Travel and Conference Policy, CFO-3
- Bon Voyage; Essential Information for Canadian Travellers
- Well on Your Way; a Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad
- Her Own Way; a Woman’s Safe Travel Guide
- Travelling with Children; What You Should Know
- Emergency Contact Card