New Mandatory Requirements Announced for Travellers Entering Canada

People line up and check in for an international flight at Pearson International airport during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

A new regulation asks travellers destined for Canada to submit their health and contact information prior to entry. Daily reports on quarantine or isolation conditions are also required.

The Government of Canada announced the new measures on Nov. 2, which are part of an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and reduce imported cases.

“As of November 21, 2020, air travellers whose final destination is Canada will be required to submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN before they board their flight. This includes travel and contact information, quarantine plan (unless exempted under conditions set out in the Mandatory Isolation Order), and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment,” said the news release.

The border services officers will ask travellers to present their ArriveCAN confirmation receipt upon entry. Travellers who fail to submit the required information before boarding their flight could receive verbal warnings, and even a $1,000 fine.

Travellers seeking to enter the country by land or by sea are also suggested to use ArriveCAN to provide the mandatory information to avoid additional questioning upon their arrival.

Exceptions will only be made for those who are unable to submit their information due to personal circumstances which are included in the mandatory isolation order.

New requirements for the post-entry quarantine or isolation period are also announced.

“As of November 21, 2020, travellers who enter Canada by air, land or marine modes, unless exempted under conditions set out in the Mandatory Isolation Order, will also be required to submit information through ArriveCAN or by calling the 1-833-641-0343 toll-free number during their quarantine or isolation period,” said the news release.

“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 COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period.”

Travellers who did not submit their information through ArriveCAN before entering the country will have to call the 1-833-641-0343 toll-free number to report their health conditions on a daily basis throughout the quarantine or isolation period, and cannot revert to using ArriveCAN.

Travellers can access ArriveCAN by signing in online or by downloading its mobile app.