While expensive COVID-19 PCR tests are no longer required for fully vaccinated Canadians returning to Canada after short visits to the U.S., the use of a specific smartphone app is now required.
The relaxed rules came into effect today (Nov. 30) for Canadians returning from short trips of less than 72 hours to the U.S. via land borders.
But tripping up many of the cross-border gas and grocery seekers was the requirement for Canadians to use the federal government ArriveCAN smartphone app to provide mandatory travel information. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
For those without a compatible smartphone, information can be submitted through the browser version of ArriveCAN on any computer. This can include a public computer at a library, an internet café, a hotel or through family or friends. The ArriveCAN receipt must be printed out for Canadian Border Services officers.
Amongst the personal data that must be entered into the app is an image showing proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status. The app then generates a QR code necessary for re-entry back into Canada. Without it, Canadians are being turned back to the U.S.
Numerous posts on social media expressed unhappiness over what was seen as a lack of clear communication from the feds that the app was required. No mention of the app was included in the Nov. 19 announcement of the impending end of the PCR test requirement but the app has been in use for a number of weeks for all Canadians returning to Canada regardless of the mode of travel.
Additionally, border services officers will be randomly selecting travellers for a mandatory COVID-19 test. If selected, the individual must take the free arrival test as directed on the day of entry into Canada.
If crossing by land border a self-swab kit will be provided to complete within 24 hours of entering Canada. Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says it is not necessary to wait for the results before continuing to the final destination and it’s not necessary to quarantine while waiting for the results.
The cross border situation spiralled into confusion last week after an exemption was announced by federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair following a request by B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety, Bill Farnworth.
The exemption was introduced to aid those in flood-affected areas in the southwest of the province where gasoline purchases were limited to 30 litres per visit and various food items were in short supply due to supply chain issues resulting from widespread flooding.
But with CBSA agents not on the same page, some B.C. residents found themselves facing $5,700 fines for failing to get PCR tests before returning to Canada.
This left residents in Osoyoos wondering whether they were eligible for the exemption but largely deterred fearing getting hit with the substantial fine.
More information on the ArriveCAN app can be found here.
