Travellers must now submit a quarantine plan electronically before entering Canada

The Government of Canada has announced new travel requirements as part of its efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, all travellers are required to provide specific information upon and after entry into Canada. This includes requirements to provide a quarantine plan and contact and travel information.

As of November 21, 2020, people travelling to Canada by air will be required to submit their information electronically through the ArriveCAN app or website before they board their flight, the government said in a release. This includes travel and contact information, a quarantine plan (unless exempted under conditions set out in the Mandatory Isolation Order), and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment.

The government introduced ArriveCAN in April 2020 to create a secure and user-friendly way to help travellers comply with increased border measures.

Travellers must be ready to show their ArriveCAN receipt when entering the country. Those who do not submit the required information digitally before boarding their flight could be subject to enforcement action, which can range from verbal warnings to a $1,000 fine, according to the release. Exceptions will be made for those unable to submit documents electronically due to personal circumstances, such as a disability or inadequate infrastructure.

Travellers entering Canada by land or marine modes are also strongly encouraged to use ArriveCAN to provide the mandatory information before they arrive, in order to avoid additional delays for public health questioning and to limit points of contact at the border. Travellers can show their ArriveCAN receipt to a border services officer when entering Canada.

Also beginning November 21, 2020, travellers who enter Canada by air, land, or marine modes will also be required to submit information through ArriveCAN or by calling 1-833-641-0343 during their quarantine or isolation period, the government said.

Within 48 hours of entering Canada, travellers must confirm they have arrived at their place of quarantine or isolation, and those in quarantine must complete a daily coronavirus symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period.

Travellers who don’t use ArriveCAN to submit their information before entering Canada will be required to call 1-833-641-0343 on a daily basis throughout their quarantine or isolation period to provide their post-border information.

Anyone who does not submit the mandatory information required after they have crossed the border will be considered a high priority for follow-up by law enforcement, according to the release.

“This is a significant step in stopping the spread of COVID-19, as 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,” the government said.

Submitting information digitally in all modes of travel will also help travellers reduce their processing time at the border and limit physical contact between travellers, border services officers, and the Public Health Agency of Canada officers. This helps in protecting the health and safety of both travellers and officers.

According to the release, the ArriveCAN app is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. Travellers can also submit their information by signing in online.