• Posted 01-Dec-2020

Travellers arriving and exiting Canada to use the ArriveCAN app starting from November 21, 2020

As part of the efforts by the Canadian government to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the government has launched a new free app known as ArriveCAN. The app was introduced earlier this year April, 2020 and set to become operational by November 21, 2020.

A statement released by the official media handle of the federal government stated that that the app would be helpful to travellers by making them abide by the set border guidelines and measures put in place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. The app is available for download as a mobile app on the App store for iOS users and on Google Play store for Android users. The app is also accessible via the online sign in portal.

From November 21, 2020, all travellers that are moving into Canada must ensure that all their necessary and vital information are submitted via the ArriveCAN app before boarding the flight. The information required includes – contact information of the traveller, COVID-19 self assessment report as well as quarantine plans while observing the compulsory 14 days quarantine period in Canada.

The Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) will demand the ArriveCAN receipt from all travellers before allowing them entry into Canada. Any traveller that fails to comply with the requirements of the ArriveCAN app might be subjected to certain enforcement actions which may include a fine of $1000 or a verbal warning. However, certain classes of travellers might be exempted from the enforcement actions. This will include all those with disabilities or persons that do not have the adequate infrastructure to submit their documents via the ArriveCAN app.

All travellers are strongly advised and encouraged to make use of the ArriveCAN app as well as show the Border officers the receipt generated from the ArriveCAN app to avoid any delay or possibly missing a flight due to non compliance.

The federal government went further to state that all travellers that just arrived Canada by air, sea or land must also submit their information via the ArriveCAN app or call the toll – free number 1-833-641-0343 on a daily basis to submit the necessary information during the period of their quarantine. For those that have a mandatory order of exemption, they do not need to submit their information via the app.

Travellers arriving Canada must ensure that they have arrived their place of quarantine within 48 hours and they must carry out a daily COVID-19 symptom self – assessment during the duration of their quarantine.

Travellers that fail to submit their information will be highly prioritized for follow-ups by the Canadian authorities until they submit the necessary documents.

The government stated that the aim of the introduction of this app is to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 is curbed and there is less physical contact between travellers and Border Control officers and also to reduce time wasting and delays at the border.

The federal government further stated that the privacy of the travellers are fully recognized and this is the reason why the ArriveCAN app does not contain any GPS tracking feature.