Arriving in Vancouver

Before you leave...

Student Permits + Visas for International Students

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need a valid study permit to live and study in Canada. Learn about study permits whether you require a visitor visa to enter Canada.

If you’re currently enrolled at a Canadian secondary, post-secondary or language school, you may need to apply for a new study permit. Learn how you can extend or change the terms of your permit from within Canada.

Canada Customs + Duties

The Canadian government allows students to bring a reasonable quantity of clothing, books, computers and other electronic items for personal use.

Restrictions and limitations apply to tobacco, alcohol and certain foods and agricultural products. You may bring all personal effects into Canada duty-free. However, we suggest that you make a list of all the items you are bringing, including serial numbers of cameras, stereos, and computers, plus the approximate value of each item.

Information on customs regulations may be obtained at a Canadian diplomatic mission, or on the Canadian Border Services Agency website.

When you arrive at the airport...

Transportation from the Airport

Once you have obtained your documents from Immigration and collected your luggage, you have two options. You can exit through the main doors of the airport to obtain ground transportation by an app (such as Uber) or taxi, or you can take public transportation by rapid transit rail.

Find a complete directory of transportation options at the YVR airport website.

Taxis
Taxicabs are available immediately outside the main doors and cost approximately CAD $30 to travel to the city centre (downtown). Fares are set by the zone to which you are travelling and are posted at the airport.

It is safe to take any taxi from the airport. It is common to tip the driver 10-15% of the fare.

SkyTrain
The Canada Line SkyTrain (above and below ground train) is the quickest way to get from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown Vancouver, with a travel time of only 25 minutes.

This service replaces all public transit bus service to and from YVR. The SkyTrain is a quick, clean, comfortable and affordable mode of transportation from Vancouver Airport to Downtown Vancouver.