Ukrainian refugees who decided to seek refuge in Canada because of the war will now be able to get there for free. Since August 1, the Ukraine2Canda Travel (U2C) tourism fund has been organizing free flights for Ukrainians in support of Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine. Charity flights take place twice a month. The program allows departures from various cities throughout Europe and arrivals to various cities in Canada.
What services are included in the free flight?
The Ukraine2Canada Tourism Fund (U2C) fully covers the cost and fees for the flight and one checked baggage. At the same time, the organizer does not pay for transit transportation to and from the airport – the passenger must take care of finding transport to the European airport from which he plans to depart. In addition, the program does not reimburse the cost of transporting any additional baggage and pets, as well as hotel reservations.
Requirements for obtaining a ticket from Ukraine2Canda Travel Fund
Citizens of Ukraine who:
- did not apply for free access from other organizations;
- ready to fly within the next 60 days after registration;
- have (at least one per family) a valid Canadian-Ukrainian CUAET emergency travel permit;
- can provide all the documents needed to enter Canada.
Mandatory documents for entry into Canada
To enter Canada, Ukrainians must have valid identification and travel documents, including:
- foreign passport of a citizen of Ukraine;
- a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA);
- a travel document for one trip (if there is no passport/visa);
- for children – written consent of the other parent with their contact details and passport photo (notarization of the document is not mandatory);
- vaccination status against COVID-19.
It is worth noting that holders of a Canadian-Ukrainian visa with authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) are exempt from Canada’s requirements for mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. However, they must meet all other health requirements to travel. Also, with limited exceptions, everyone arriving in Canada on CUAET must use ArriveCAN.
CUAET emergency travel permit
The Canadian-Ukrainian emergency travel permit allows Ukrainians and their family members to come to Canada and integrate into local life (work, study) during their stay in the country for up to three years. You can apply on the Canadian government website if you do not already have an emergency CUAET visa that allows you to travel to Canada. Application consideration usually does not exceed 14 days. But you should register for free tickets under the Ukraine2Canda Travel Fund program only after the official approval of the visa.
Applying for free tickets to Canada
You can register for a free flight to Canada on the page of Ukraine2Canda Travel Fund. The next registration window will open on August 29. When registering for the Ukraine2Canda program, you must specify the desired city of departure and arrival. After that, the program will automatically select the most convenient (according to the specified coordinates) commercial flight for you.
Applicants for free flights to Canada will be contacted within a week of registration to verify eligibility and clarify flight details. If the application is incomplete or contains errors, this will delay its implementation. Once your application is verified and approved, you will receive your flight itinerary.
Please note that tickets will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The date of the ticket depends on many factors. Be prepared for actual travel dates to differ from desired dates, depending on flight availability. If the application is approved, the date and time of departure will usually be notified within 60 days of the check-in date. At the same time, all family members registered in one application will travel. You will receive information about the flight at the e-mail address specified during registration.
What will happen after I arrive in Canada?
It should be borne in mind that the fund is solely responsible for organizing a flight to Canada and does not provide any other types of assistance, including legalization, housing search, employment, childcare, etc. But, according to the program organizers, all passengers can count on informational support from the MOSAIC project partner – a regional organization in Canada. She will contact all the participants of the project and send each of them a web link to support networks of Ukrainians in the cities of Canada where they are traveling. So, upon arrival, Ukrainians will be able to contact these organizations, which will provide them with further assistance.