November 10 2020 by Serge Abel-Normandin
The Government of Canada announced new requirements on Monday (Nov. 2) for travellers arriving in Canada.
These new requirements are in addition to the requirement to provide specific information before and after entering Canada - including a quarantine plan and contact and travel information.
Many of the new requirements relate to the ArriveCAN tool that the Government of Canada launched in April to help travellers comply with border measures.
Previously recommended, this tool becomes almost compulsory (with some exceptions). ArriveCAN is available as a mobile app or by logging in online.
Submit COVID Information via ArriveCAN before flight
As of Nov. 21, air travellers destined for Canada will have to submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN before boarding their flight.
This includes travel and contact information, their quarantine plan (unless exempted), and a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment.
Travellers wishing to enter Canada will need to be able to provide their ArriveCAN receipt to a border services officer, who will verify that travellers' information has been scanned beforehand.
Travellers who do not provide the required information electronically before boarding their aircraft could be subject to enforcement action, ranging from verbal warnings to a fine of $ 1,000.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says that starting Nov. 4, air travellers can expect their air carrier to remind them of the need to submit COVID-related information digitally to the through ArriveCAN before boarding their flight to Canada.
As for travellers entering Canada by land or sea, they are “strongly encouraged” to continue using ArriveCAN .
The ArriveCAN app can be downloaded from Google Play for Android or from the App Store for iOS. Travelers can also submit their information by logging in online .
Mandatory daily updates during quarantine
In addition, effective Nov. 21, all travellers entering Canada (whether by air, land or sea) will also be required to provide information through ArriveCAN (or toll-free 1-833- 641-0343) during their period of quarantine or isolation.
“Within 48 hours of arriving in Canada, travellers must confirm that they have arrived at their quarantine or isolation location and people in quarantine must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their period of quarantine, ”explains PHAC.
Travellers who do not use ArriveCAN to submit their information prior to entering Canada will need to dial toll-free 1-833-641-0343 daily during their quarantine or isolation period to provide information after entering Canada. (They will not be able to use ArriveCAN after submitting their information over the phone).
"Travellers who fail to submit mandatory information after crossing the border will be considered a high priority for follow-up by law enforcement agencies," it warns.
An important step to stop the spread of COVID-19
PHAC says these new requirements are an important step in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
“Traveller information can be shared quickly and securely with provinces and territories to contact travellers for public health follow-up, and with law enforcement to verify compliance with the Mandatory Isolation Order," states a release.
It is added that submitting digital information in all modes of transportation will also help travellers reduce their border processing time and limit physical contact between travellers and border services officers and border officials.
“This protects the health and safety of travellers and officers," the document states.
Exceptions
Exceptions will be made for those who are unable to submit documents electronically due to personal circumstances, such as disability or inadequate infrastructure.
Passengers in transit whose destination is not Canada do not have to submit their information through ArriveCAN .
Travellers who may have difficulty submitting their information through ArrivalCAN can access additional information at Canada.ca/ArriveCAN or by emailing phac.arrivecan.aspc@canada.ca .
Good to know
Dedicated lanes for faster processing for ArriveCAN users are available at some major international airports, including YVR, YYC, YYZ and YUL.
The ArriveCAN app does not use any other technology or data, such as GPS, to monitor or track travellers' movements. In other words, your privacy is protected.