published on 11 November 2020 @ 8:13 pm · COMMENT

Immigration Update

Government of Canada Announces New Pandemic Self-Reporting Requirements for Travellers Entering Canada

The Canadian federal government has announced new self-reporting measures for international travellers in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  Effective November 21, 2020, all travellers entering Canada by air will be required to provide specific information electronically through the ArriveCAN mobile phone application before boarding their flight. Travellers must provide information regarding their flight details, contact information, quarantine plan (unless otherwise exempt under the Mandatory Isolation Order), and must also complete a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment.   Canadian border services officers will verify the digital information upon arrival at the port of entry.

Travellers who do not comply with this requirement are subject to enforcement action, which may range from a verbal warning up to a $1,000 fine. The government has indicated that exceptions will be made for travellers who cannot submit information electronically due to personal circumstances.

While this requirement is mandatory for air travellers, the government is strongly encouraging travellers entering Canada by land or sea to use the ArriveCAN app in order to prevent additional delays and limit points of contact at the border.

Within 48 hours of entry to Canada, travellers subject to the mandatory quarantine must confirm arrival at their quarantine location. During the 14-day quarantine period, these travellers will be required to complete a daily COVID-19 self assessment through the ArriveCAN app. Travellers who do not use the ArriveCAN app to submit their information will be required to call a 1-800 number on a daily basis throughout their quarantine period.

The above measures highlight the Canadian government’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through enhanced contact tracing and minimized points of contact at ports of entry. Traveller information submitted through the app can be quickly shared with local public health units for follow-up, and with law enforcement for the purpose of verifying compliance with Canada’s mandatory quarantine laws.

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.