ArriveCAN: a mandatory app for going through Canadian Customs during the pandemic

News
Published on November 26, 2020

Since November 21, Canadians who travel despite the COVID-19 pandemic must use the ArriveCAN mobile app (or its online equivalent) before returning to Canada. No choice about it. It’s a way for Canadian authorities to ensure that travelers comply with the quarantine rules.

The federal government is still recommending that Canadians avoid any non-essential travel outside Canada. Those who do travel despite this warning must adhere to a strict 14-day quarantine when they get back. That’s why the Canadian government has made the ArriveCAN app mandatory for airline passengers.

ArriveCAN fulfills two roles: 1. to produce a receipt for customs officials that will show you have submitted the required information and 2. to make it easier for officials to ensure you self-isolate when you return home.

ArriveCAN: Make it part of your travel planning process

Travellers must download the mobile app or use its online equivalent before their return flight to Canada. They must enter their travel information and their quarantine plan.  Daily monitoring of possible COVID-19 symptoms is required during the 14 day isolation period.

Don’t have a smart phone? Don’t have a data plan? Don’t have a computer? Don’t worry!

What’s important is to provide the required information before boarding the plane for Canada and to show the receipt to Customs. You can print out the receipt or simply show it on your phone via the mobile app or a screen capture. In many cases, you can enter the information at home before you leave.

  • Travellers without smart phones can use the ArriveCAN online app before their trip (up to 14 days before their return flight) and print out their receipts.
  • Travellers who have cell phones, but no data plans at their destination, can still use the mobile app to enter their information (up to 90 days before their return flight) and show the receipt to Customs on their phone.
  • Travellers who have neither computers nor smart phones can use public computers.  Or you can ask someone else to fill out the declaration for you and give you the receipt.

ArriveCAN is only required for airplane trips, but it can also be used for other types of travel. 

ArriveCAN is only used for pandemic-related questions and does not exempt travelers from going through Customs. Another border services app, CANBorder, can be used to facilitate other customs formalities and declarations (for alcohol, for example). CANBorder.

Travelling in the new normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new normal for travellers, especially when it comes to travel insurance and health measures. CAA-Quebec travel counsellors are available to answer any questions you might have and help you adjust to the new situation for your next trip.