Arrivecan: Unraveling The Mystery Of Intra-Canadian Travel Requirements

As of October 1, 2022, the use of ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory for travellers entering Canada by land, air, or sea. However, travellers can still opt to use the ArriveCAN app or website to submit their information before arriving in Canada, which can save time at the airport. This is especially useful at airports that offer an express customs lane for those who have filled out their customs declarations in advance through the app.

Who needs to provide information through ArriveCAN?

All travellers entering Canada by air, rail, road, or marine vessel must provide their travel information through ArriveCAN. The only exceptions are individuals with accessibility needs, asylum seekers, and refugees, who are exempt from using ArriveCAN.

ArriveCAN is a free, digital platform operated by the Government of Canada. It allows travellers to provide mandatory travel information, including their COVID-19 proof of vaccination and quarantine details, before and after entering Canada.

The ArriveCAN form can be filled out on the website or via the ArriveCAN app, which is available for Android and iOS.

You must submit your information through ArriveCAN within 72 hours (or three days) before your arrival in Canada. However, you can create an ArriveCAN account or download and register on the app in advance. It is important to note that you will not be allowed to provide your information on ArriveCAN if your arrival in Canada is more than 72 hours away.

A step-by-step guide to submitting your information through ArriveCAN:

Step 1: Create an account on ArriveCAN

To create an account, visit the ArriveCAN website or download the app. Provide your email address and set up a password. As part of the account creation process, you'll need to read and accept the ArriveCAN privacy statement, which outlines how your information can be used and the penalties for refusing to provide personal information or sharing false information.

Step 2: Start your ArriveCAN form

The ArriveCAN form is divided into several sub-sections, and the sequence may vary depending on whether you're using the website or the app. Here are the key sections to complete:

• Specify your travel purpose: If you're a newcomer with a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), you must select the discretionary/optional travel category and be fully vaccinated to enter Canada. You can also enter the country if you're a foreign national coming to work, study, for family reunification, or on compassionate grounds. Essential workers who frequently cross the border can save their travel information on ArriveCAN and make changes as needed.
• Register for a post-arrival COVID-19 test: Fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from mandatory pre-arrival and on-arrival COVID-19 testing but may be randomly selected for testing. Unvaccinated travellers will need both pre-arrival and post-arrival tests. You can register for a post-arrival test in advance through ArriveCAN to save time at the airport.
• Enter your travel information: Input details about your travel plans, including the mode of transport. If arriving by air, enter flight information such as the country of departure, arrival airport, airline, flight number, and date and time of arrival.
• Provide your contact information: Provide a phone number that can be used to contact you, including the correct country code. Choose your preferred language for receiving messages (English or French).

Step 3: Add traveller information

• Travel document information: Provide the type of travel document (passport, permanent resident card, NEXUS card, etc.), document number, issuing country, and your name and date of birth as listed. If using the app, you may be asked to scan or upload a photo of your travel document. Ensure you have the selected document handy when you arrive in Canada.
• Enter COVID-19 proof of vaccination: Enter vaccination details, including the brand and dose(s) received, the country where you were vaccinated, and the date(s). Upload photographs of your vaccination receipts. If your proof of vaccination is not in English or French, get it translated by a certified agency and carry both versions.
• Select travellers for this trip: If travelling in a group and quarantining together, you can add up to eight travellers to your trip on ArriveCAN. Share travel document and COVID-19 vaccination information for each traveller. Avoid including travellers with different vaccination statuses unless they are unvaccinated children under 18.

Step 4: Understand and acknowledge travel requirements

As of April 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers do not need a pre-arrival COVID-19 test. However, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers may require a COVID-19 molecular or antigen test within a specified timeframe before departure to Canada. While you don't need to upload test results to ArriveCAN, you must read and acknowledge that you understand the testing requirements.

Step 5: Fill out the Entry into Canada travel form

Answer several questions about your COVID-19 history, such as whether you've tested positive in the last 14-180 days, if you have proof of a negative molecular test, and details of any countries visited in the last 14 days.

Step 6: Fill out your quarantine plan questionnaire

This step applies only to unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or those vaccinated with a vaccine not approved in Canada. Provide details of your quarantine plan, including accommodation, ability to avoid contact with others, access to necessities, and potential exposure to at-risk individuals.

Step 7: Complete your self-assessment

Confirm that you don't have any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, before travelling to Canada. Complete this screening for all individuals in your group.

When should I fill in my information on ArriveCAN?

You'll need to submit your information through ArriveCAN within 72 hours (or three days) before your arrival in Canada. However, you can create an ArriveCAN account or download and register on the app in advance.

Note that you will not be allowed to provide your information on ArriveCAN if your arrival in Canada is more than 72 hours away.

The ArriveCAN app is free and available for Android or iOS. You can also access it through their website.

How do I update my information on ArriveCAN?

To update your information on ArriveCAN, you must first create an account on the ArriveCAN website or download the app. Provide your email address and set up a password that you can remember, as you will need this information to sign in to your account later.

After creating your account, you can start your ArriveCAN form. The form is broken down into several sub-sections, and the sequence may vary depending on whether you are filling out your information on the website or the app.

Firstly, specify your travel purpose. If you are a newcomer with a valid Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), you must be fully vaccinated to enter Canada and will select the discretionary/optional travel category. You may also enter the country if you are a foreign national coming to Canada to study or work, for family reunification, or on compassionate grounds.

Next, register for a post-arrival COVID-19 test. As of April 1, 2022, fully-vaccinated travellers entering Canada no longer require a pre-arrival COVID-19 test. However, you may be randomly selected for an on-arrival test. Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will still require both pre-arrival and post-arrival COVID-19 tests.

Then, enter your travel information, including the mode of transport you are using to enter Canada. If you are arriving by air, enter your flight information, such as your country of departure, arrival airport, airline, flight number, date, and time of arrival.

After that, provide your contact information, including a phone number that can be used to contact you. Don't forget to prefix the number with the correct country code. You can choose whether you want to receive messages in English or French.

Finally, add traveller information, including travel document information, COVID-19 proof of vaccination, and traveller details for anyone travelling with you.

Once you have completed your ArriveCAN form, you will receive a receipt with a letter-based code and a QR code. Take a screenshot of your receipt and keep it easily accessible, as you will need to present it to border officials upon your arrival in Canada.

What happens if I don't fill in the ArriveCAN form?

As of October 1, 2022, the Canadian government has removed all COVID-19 travel requirements, including the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. However, if you are a foreign national travelling to Canada for discretionary purposes, you may be denied boarding or entry into Canada if you don't submit your information through ArriveCAN.

While Canadian citizens, permanent residents, foreign workers with a work permit, and international students with a valid study permit will not be denied entry into Canada if they don't use ArriveCAN, they may be subject to fines of up to $75,000 or other penalties. In such cases, travellers will not be eligible for the fully-vaccinated traveller exemption and will need to quarantine for 14 days or more.

Providing false information or documents through the ArriveCAN app or to a border official in Canada is a punishable offence and can result in fines and criminal charges.

What is the purpose of the ArriveCAN app?

ArriveCAN is a digital platform operated by the Government of Canada. It is available as a website and a mobile app for Android and iOS devices. The platform allows travellers to submit mandatory travel information before and after entering Canada. This includes COVID-19 vaccination proof, quarantine details, and other health and travel-related information.

The ArriveCAN app was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate the collection of health data from travellers entering the country. While the use of ArriveCAN was initially mandatory, it is now optional for travellers. However, certain groups, such as foreign nationals travelling for discretionary purposes, may be denied entry into Canada if they do not submit their information through ArriveCAN.

The app also offers an advanced customs declaration feature, allowing travellers to fill out their customs declarations ahead of time and use an express customs lane upon arrival at select airports. This feature has been well-received, with usage rates as high as 16% at Pearson International Airport.

The purpose of the ArriveCAN app is to streamline the travel process, making it safer and more convenient for travellers entering Canada. By providing a centralised platform for submitting travel and health information, ArriveCAN helps to reduce potential confusion and delays at border crossings.

Frequently asked questions