CANADA ANNOUNCES PLANS TO UPDATE CONTACT TRACING REQUIREMENTS
October 9, 2020
On September 25, 2020 the Government of Canada announced its intention to require the digital submission of passenger contact tracing information via the government sponsored ArriveCAN App or website. Currently, passengers arriving to Canada are requested to provide information, including contact tracing data, via either the “ArriveCAN” app or website, or by filling out a physical form. Starting October 31 2020, Canada will require digital (ArriveCAN App or website) submission only, with limited exceptions and all paper forms will be eliminated.
Once passengers input the information into the app/website, they will receive an electronic receipt that they can also print. Exceptions for digital submission will include in transit passengers whose final destination is not Canada and an inability to submit due to ArriveCAN service disruptions. Carriers flying to Canada will be responsible for notifying passengers of the requirements, and verifying that passengers have submitted information digitally or are exempt.
If passengers either do not have the electronic receipt or refuse to provide the information, but have a “Right of Entry” (primarily Canadian citizens or permanent residents), airlines can board the passengers but must advise them that they will be subject to a fine upon arrival in Canada. Without a Right of Entry or electronic ArriveCan receipt, airlines are prohibited from boarding passengers. Finally, carriers will be subject to a fine if they fail to notify passengers of their obligations, if they do not verify receipts, or if they board travelers without Right of Entry that do not show a receipt.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6622); Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com or 202-659-6665), or Andy Orr (aorr@eckertsemans.com or 202-659-6625).
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