Toronto 
Credit: Fly Swoop
The government of Canada has announced new mandatory requirements for travellers to Canada.
Air travellers whose final destination is Canada will be required to submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN before they board their flight starting November 21, 2020. This includes travel and contact information, quarantine plan, and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment.
In-transit passengers whose final destination is not Canada do not need to submit their information through ArriveCAN.
Travellers must be ready to show their ArriveCAN receipt to a border services officer when seeking entry into Canada. Those who are exempted under conditions set out in the Mandatory Isolation Order need not provide ArriveCAN receipt.
As per the Government news release, travellers who do not submit the required information digitally before boarding their flight could be subject to enforcement action, which can range from verbal warnings to $1,000 fine. Exceptions will be made for those unable to submit documents electronically due to personal circumstances, such as disability or inadequate infrastructure.
Travellers entering Canada by land or marine modes are also strongly encouraged to provide the mandatory information before they arrive to avoid additional delays for public health questioning and to limit points of contact at the border. Travellers can show their ArriveCAN receipt to a border services officer when seeking entry into Canada.
As of November 21, 2020, travellers who enter Canada by air, land or marine modes will also be required to submit information through ArriveCAN or by calling the 1-833-641-0343 toll-free number during their quarantine or isolation period. Within 48 hours of entering Canada, travellers must confirm they have arrived at their place of quarantine or isolation and those in quarantine must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period.
Travellers who don’t use ArriveCAN to submit their information before entering Canada will be required to call the 1-833-641-0343 toll-free number on a daily basis throughout their quarantine or isolation period to provide their post-border information. The government says they will not be able to revert to using ArriveCAN.
Also, travellers who do not submit the mandatory information required after they have crossed the border will be considered a high priority for follow-up by law enforcement.
The ArriveCAN app is available for download on Google Play for Android or through the App Store for iOS. Travellers can also submit their information by signing in online.
Travellers who may experience difficulty submitting their information through ArriveCAN can access additional information at Canada.ca/ArriveCAN or send an email to: phac.arrivecan.aspc@canada.ca.
