ArriveCAN – An app you must have to travel to Canada

Travelers to Canada will soon have to use the ArriveCAN app as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The free app was launched in April 2020 to help travelers comply with border measures, according to a government press release. It is available as a mobile app or by connecting online.

Here is what you need to do before and after arriving in Canada.

Before arriving at Canada’s border

Effective November 21, air travelers whose final destination is Canada must submit their information through ArriveCAN before boarding. This includes travel and contact information, the quarantine plan (unless exempted), and a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment.

Travelers will need to present their ArriveCan receipt when wishing to enter Canada. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers will verify that travelers have submitted their information digitally.

Travelers who do not comply can be subject to enforcement action, which can range from a verbal warning to a fine of $ 1,000. Exceptions will be given to those who are unable to submit documents due to personal circumstances such as a disability or inadequate infrastructure.

From November 4, air travelers will be reminded by their air carrier that they will need to submit COVID-related information digitally through ArriveCAN before boarding their flight to Canada.

Effective immediately, travelers seeking to enter Canada by land or sea are strongly encouraged to use ArriveCAN before arrival to avoid delays and limit points of contact when they reach the border. They can also show their ArriveCAN receipt to a border services officer when seeking to enter Canada.

After arriving in Canada

Since November 21, 2020, all travelers entering Canada by air, land, or sea will also be required to submit information through ArriveCAN or by calling the following toll-free number: 1-833-641-0343 during their quarantine period. People exempted under the mandatory segregation order do not need to follow this procedure.

Within 48 hours of arriving in Canada, travelers must confirm that they have arrived at their quarantine location and they must complete a daily self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms during the quarantine period.

The travelers who do not use ArriveCAN to submit their information before arriving in Canada will need to dial 1-833-641-0343 toll-free daily during the quarantine period to provide their information. They will not be able to use ArriveCAN.

Travelers will be considered a high priority for tracking by Canadian law enforcement if they do not submit their mandatory information.

The purpose of these measures is to reduce the spread of COVID-19, border delays, and physical contact between travelers, CBSA officers, and other government officials.

Unless one person is exempted, all travelers to Canada are required by law to undergo a 14-day quarantine period.

The Canadian government emphasized in today’s release that ArrivalCAN respects the privacy of travelers and does not contain GPS to track travelers’ movements.

All the travelers are also offered dedicated lanes for ArrivalCAN users at airports in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto (Pearson), and Montreal to expedite arrival processing.

Reference is taken from CIC News