The information on this page has been reviewed by International Student Advisors on September 8, 2025.
Travel to Canada
I am a current SFU student and planning to travel outside Canada for the break. What documents should I carry when I travel back to Canada?
If you're leaving Canada temporarily (e.g., during Winter Break or between terms), make sure you have the right documents to return and continue your studies. This includes:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Valid study permit
- Valid electronic travel authorization (eTA) or temporary resident visa (visa stamped in your passport), unless exempted.
- Your citizenship will determine if you need a TRV, eTA or are exempt. Use the to check what document you require.
ðŸÇÀ Note: If you're a TRV-required citizen traveling only to the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you may be exempt from needing a TRV to travel back to Canada under Regulation R190(3)(f).
We also recommend carrying a confirmation of enrollment (COE) letter from SFU. It is a good idea to ensure the documents you use for travel are as current as possible.  For example, your SFU COE letter should be for the current or upcoming term - not for a past term. 
You must have a valid study permit when you re-enter Canada to continue your studies at SFU. If you're under maintained status (you applied to extend your study permit before it expired, but your current permit has already expired), please visit this FAQ item.
Don’t forget to check the visa and entry requirements for any other countries you’ll be visiting during your trip.