Travellers to Canada must now use ArriveCAN app

Canada has announced that it will be mandatory for all travellers to Canada to use the ArriveCAN app as part of efforts to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. Starting November 21, air travellers whose final destination is Canada must submit their information through ArriveCAN before boarding. This includes travel and contact information, quarantine plan (unless they are exempt), and a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment.

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The mandatory use of ArriveCAN app is a significant step in Canada’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 by sharing traveller information quickly and securely with:

provinces and territories so that they can contact travellers for public health follow-up
law enforcement to verify compliance with the mandatory isolation order

Submitting information digitally will also:

help travellers reduce their processing time at the border
limit physical contact between travellers and:
- Canada border services officers
- Public Health Agency of Canada officers

Requirements for travellers entering Canada by air

You may pre-qualify for a Canada immigration program.

As of November 21, 2020, if you’re flying to Canada as your final destination, you must use ArriveCAN to submit your:

travel and contact information
quarantine plan (unless exempted under conditions set out in the mandatory isolation order)
COVID-19 symptom self-assessments

You must:

submit your information before you board your flight to Canada
be ready to show your ArriveCAN receipt when seeking entry into Canada
- a border services officer will verify that you have submitted your information digitally

If you don’t submit your information through ArriveCAN, you may:

face additional delays at the border for public health questioning
be subject to enforcement action, which can range from verbal warnings to $1,000 fines

Exceptions to mandatory digital submission

There are 2 exceptions to mandatory digital submission:

travellers who are in transit and whose final destination isn’t Canada aren’t required to submit their information via ArriveCAN
in the event of an ArriveCAN system outage, travellers will be allowed to fill out the paper form when they arrive in Canada

Travellers entering Canada by land or sea

If you’re travelling to Canada by land or sea, you’re strongly encouraged to submit your travel information through ArriveCAN app. This will speed up processing at the border and limit points of contact.

Show your ArriveCAN receipt to the border services officer.

Requirements for all travellers after they’ve entered Canada

As of November 21, 2020, all travellers, whether they travel by air, land or sea, must provide information after their entry into Canada.

You must use ArriveCAN app or call 1-833-641-0343 to:

confirm that you’ve arrived at the address you provided for your quarantine or isolation location within 48 hours of your entry into Canada
complete daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessments during your quarantine period

You don’t have to do this if you’re exempted under conditions set out in the mandatory isolation order.

Using ArriveCAN app will save you time

Complete mandatory reporting after your entry into Canada in seconds by using ArriveCAN.
If you submit this information by calling the toll-free line, your submission will take approximately 5 minutes.

If you don’t use ArriveCAN to provide your information before entering Canada, you can’t use it to:

confirm you’ve arrived at your quarantine or isolation location
complete daily symptom self-assessments after you arrive in Canada

If you don’t provide information digitally through ArriveCAN or the toll-free line after you’ve entered Canada:

this may affect your non-compliance rating
you may receive phone calls or public health follow-ups

How to use ArriveCAN app

Use ArriveCAN to submit your information easily and securely before your arrival in Canada. ArriveCAN is available as a mobile app or you can sign in online.

Whether you’re entering Canada by air, land or sea, use ArriveCAN to:

provide required contact information for you and your family travelling together
answer questions about your quarantine plan if your trip is not exempt from quarantine requirements
get an ArriveCAN confirmation receipt to show to border services officers, or take a screenshot or print your confirmation if you sign in online
complete COVID-19 symptom self-assessments