COVID-19: New entry requirements announced for travelers

IMPACT – HIGH

The Canadian government has announced that it will implement new COVID-19 entry protocols beginning later this month.

Key Points:

• Starting Nov. 21, individuals entering Canada via air, land or water ports of entry will be required to provide a quarantine plan, contact details and travel information through the ArriveCAN Individuals who travel by air must submit the information before boarding their flight to Canada.
• Border officers will ask to see an ArriveCAN receipt when entering Canada.
• Within 48 hours of entering Canada, travelers must provide confirmation of arrival to their place of quarantine via the app or by calling the toll-free number 1-833-641-0343. Travelers in quarantine must complete a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment every day throughout their entire quarantine.
• Travelers who use the telephone option will not be able to use the ArriveCAN app option later.
• Only travelers exempted under the Mandatory Isolation Order do not need to meet these requirements.
• Travelers who forego this requirement should expect follow-up by law enforcement.

Background: The ArriveCAN app was introduced in April 2020 to facilitate COVID-19 information and entry requirements to travelers.

Analysis & Comments: Although submitting this information is not required until Nov. 21, the government is encouraging travelers to start using the ArriveCAN app immediately to speed up entry wait times. Please also note that ArriveCAN does not track or monitor traveler movements. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and additional information will provided as it becomes available.

This alert was prepared by de Lint LLP, an independent immigration law firm, allied with Deloitte LLP in Canada.