Since March 2020, various protocols have gone into effect concerning procedures to travel to/work in Canada in view of the COVID situation. Some of those procedures relate to a ‘Quarantine Plan’ for anyone not in an exempted/essential service.
As set out in a prior bulletin, information about a Quarantine Plan could be submitted through a government of Canada app called ‘ArriveCAN’ (see http://www.kranclaw.com/2020/08/expediting-arrival-to-canada-during-covid/). The app is available for iOS, Android and web format (web based access can be found at https://arrivecan.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/privacy).
The government of Canada has now announced that effective November 21, for anyone travelling to Canada by air, use of the ArriveCAN app will be mandatory. Information will be required to be submitted in advance of a person boarding his/her flight. In the event that on arrival, the submission of the required information cannot be verified by an officer, enforcement action may be taken, including fines of up to $1000 (and entry to Canada may be disallowed).
Though not mandatory at land or marine ports of entry, use of the app is still encouraged.
Note that beyond this issue, further protocols are evolving, including the need for travelers to notify Canadian authorities within 48 hours of entry that they have arrived at their place of quarantine, and the need to complete daily COVID symptom self-assessments. (Notification can be done through the app, or by calling 1-833-641-0343.) Those who enter without having used ArriveCAN (e.g. at a land border crossing) will have to contact the 1-833 number daily during the quarantine period.
he information in this article is for general purposes only, and not intended as legal advice for any particular situation.