The information on this page is for reference only. It was accurate at the time of publishing but may no longer reflect the current state at the Canada Border Services Agency. It is not subject to the Government of Canada web standards.
Enhanced screening border measures at 4 major airports – travellers from Wuhan
Locations: Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto international airports
Measures include:
messaging on arrival screens
asking an additional health screening question to travellers either on an electronic kiosk or by a CBSA officer directly if they have travelled to Wuhan China
asking travellers to inform a Border Services Officer if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms
Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR) imposed on Hubei province, China
Introduction of new screening form and screening aid for all persons detained and admitted to a detention facility
Expansion of enhanced screening to other airports
Locations: Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Billy Bishop, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Halifax airports.
Detention reviews by IRB by telephone or videoconference
For detainees who respond in the affirmative to specific screening questions.
New information brochure
Issued by BSOs, with specific instructions for travellers who have been in the Province of Hubei.
Enhanced screening at all airports
Locations: All international airports in Canada.
Occupational health and safety advice from Health Canada: provided to Border Services Officers (BSOs)
Contact tracing for travellers who have been in Hubei (PHAC)
All travellers who indicate they have been in the province of Hubei are required to fill out a PHAC contact form to allow health authorities to monitor and track those who have been in the impacted region
The form captures basic biographical data, flight data, and contact information for the passenger while in Canada. Once completed, PHAC determines when and how to share this information with provincial authorities
Surgical mask kits begin being issued by BSOs to all travellers who reported that they have been in the Province of Hubei
Expansion of screening: travellers from Iran
Locations: All international airports in Canada to include Iran.
Enhanced health screening in land, rail and marine mode: added to border processing for travellers seeking entry into Canada by car, rail or ferry
Expansion of screening: travellers from Italy
Locations: All international airports in Canada to include Italy.
Introduction of new procedures requiring all detainees who are being transported and detained must wear a mask
Enhanced signage implemented: at all ports of entry
Quarantine Officers deployed on-site at Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR) and Montreal (YUL) international airports
Quarantine Officers available to conduct health assessments through the 24/7 Central Notification System (CNS) Line for all other locations where Quarantine Officers were not on-site.
Public visits to IHCs suspended
New procedures in place at Immigration Holding Centres (IHCs)
Visits from the public are suspended. Exceptions include counsel, designated representatives, and interpreters
Non-contact visits used where available; and, if necessary, contact visits exercise safe distancing practices
Mandatory requirement for personal protective equipment for both detainees, staff and contracted staff
Social distancing measures introduced in all CBSA IHCs
Request for all inbound travellers to self-isolate (PHAC)
International flights are redirected to only four international airports: Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.
Waiving of duties and taxes on temporarily imported goods for emergency use in response to COVID-19 (Finance Canada)
Contact tracing for all symptomatic travellers (PHAC)
All travellers who display symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as a cough, fever, or difficult breathing, are required to complete a PHAC contact tracing form.
Customs Notice 20-08
Provides information on the use of the Goods for Emergency Use Remission Order, (C.R.C., c. 768), and application of Tariff Item No. 9993.00.00 of the Customs Tariff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Updated on to include importations on behalf of public or private care residences, such as seniors' residences, retirement homes, nursing homes and shelters
President correspondence to the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization
To encourage WCO Member States to maintain coordinated action and avoid unduly disrupting international trade supply chains.
CBSA and US CPB agrees to strike a Task Force to advance the Canada-US Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
To facilitate efficient trade and the cross-border movement of essential goods, workers and services in North America.
Removals postponed
All inland removals (excluding cases where removal order is issued at Port of Entry) will be postponed until
Does not apply for national security, organized crime, crimes against humanity and criminal cases and for those individuals who are willing to leave the country voluntarily (a statutory declaration must be signed by these individuals)
These excepted removals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by CBSA senior management prior to their occurrence
Mid-March
Temporary targets in effect for counterfeit medical supplies in the commercial stream
In collaboration with US CBP, CBSA has created targets to aid commercial BSOs in identifying possible counterfeit shipments of medical supplies for examination.
Air travel ban on foreign nationals put in place: Foreign Nationals are restricted from entering Canada if they arrive by aircraft coming from a foreign country.
Subject to specific exemptions, which included:
Foreign Nationals, including United States (U.S.) citizens, who have been in the U.S. and Canada for more than 14 days
Close family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
French residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon (SPM) arriving directly from SPM
Urgent Protection Plan resettled refugees
Accredited diplomats and their family members
Airline and maritime crews
Foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Canadian Government for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response or whose entry would be in the national interest
Members of the Canadian military, visiting forces, and their family members
Transiting passengers travelling to / from the U.S., and international-to-international transit
CBSA engagement with stakeholders and industry
The CBSA, via its Border Commercial Consultative Committee (BCCC), reached out to its members (customs brokers, representatives of modal conveyances rail, marine, highway, air, courier) with a forum to communicate their issues and share information on what the CBSA is doing in relation to the COVID-19 situation
The CBSA remains in communication with its stakeholders (Marine Terminal operators, Canadian Trucking Alliance, Customs Brokers, etc.) offering support for resolution of issues, including those related to COVID-19
Quarantine officers deployed on-site at Calgary (YYC) international airport
Quarantine Officers available to conduct health assessments through the 24/7 Central Notification System (CNS) Line for all other locations where Quarantine Officers were not on-site.
Grace period for late accounting penalties
Provide for a 45 business days grace period for late accounting penalties. Clients will not have to submit an application to have late accounting penalties waived. This applies to transactions released from , to , inclusively.
Customs Notice 20-09
CBSA issued a Customs Notice indicating that effective immediately, the period of 90 days for submitting corrections, following a CBSA trade compliance verification where errors were found, would be automatically extended by 30 days.
Travel restrictions in effect (as agreed until )
prohibit any foreign national, including U.S. nationals, from entering Canada in all modes of travel (air, land, rail and marine) for optional or discretionary purposes, with the exception of:
A person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act
A person who, in the opinion of Chief Public Health Officer, does not pose a risk of significant harm to public health
A protected person who has previously received refugee protection in Canada as defined in section 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
A person, travelling by aircraft, if the scheduled arrival in Canada is before 11:59 am EDT on
all Foreign Nationals entering Canada for essential business or studies must also have only been in either the U.S. or Canada for the period of 14 days prior to their arrival in Canada
all Foreign Nationals are prohibited from entering if they display the following symptoms: a fever and cough, or a fever and breathing difficulties
Travel restrictions in effect (as signed until )
for any foreign national entering Canada by air and marine mode from any country other than the U.S. with the exception of:
Foreign National, including US citizens, who have been in the US and Canada for more than 14 days (as per the order governing travel from the US to Canada)
Immediate family member of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act
Person who is authorized, in writing, by a consular officer of the Government of Canada to enter Canada for the purpose of reuniting immediate family members
Airline or marine crew member
Accredited diplomat and immediate family members, including representative from the United Nations and international organizations for which Canada is part of
Foreign national travelling at the invitation of the Canadian government for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response
Person who arrives by means of an aircraft operated by the Canadian Forces or the Department of National Defence
Member of the Canadian military, visiting forces, and their family members
Protected Person presenting a Convention Refugee travel document
A French citizen who resides in St. Pierre and Miquelon (SPM) who has only been in SPM, the US or Canada during the period of 14 days before the day on which they board
Person or any person in class of persons who, in the opinion of Canada's Chief Public Health Officer does not pose a risk of significant harm to the public health, or will provide essential service while in Canada
Transiting passengers through Canada to another country
Transiting passengers will be subject to any travel bans and restrictions the third country has in place
Mandatory isolation for all inbound travellers (PHAC)
Individuals entering Canada, by air, sea or land, whether or not they have signs and symptoms of COVID-19, are ordered to self-isolate for 14 days, with the exception of:
Persons making necessary medical deliveries of cells, blood and blood products, tissues, organs, or other similar lifesaving human body parts, that are required for patient care in Canada
Asymptomatic persons in the trade and transportation sector who are important for the movement of goods and people, including truck drivers and crew on any plane, train or marine vessel, and that cross the border while performing their duties or for the purpose of performing their duties
Asymptomatic persons who have to cross the border regularly to go to work, including in the health care sector or critical infrastructure workers for the purpose of performing their duties
Asymptomatic persons who have to cross the border to provide or receive essential services, including emergency responders and personnel providing essential services to Canadians related to the COVID-19 outbreak
Additional contact tracing of some asymptomatic travellers (PHAC)
The CBSA expands contact tracing to include a random sample of 200 asymptomatic travellers. Contact information continues to be collected for all symptomatic travellers.
OIC 9 entered into force (also known as OIC 0185)
This OIC prohibits foreign nationals from seeking entry to Canada at any location to make a claim for refugee protection.
Prime Minister's announcement to extend the timeframe for the payment of customs duties, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
The timeframe for all payments due to the Agency is extended to . This also includes charges on the statement of account for March due on
To ease cash-flow challenges that businesses are facing across the country
$8.7 billion in estimated revenue deferral for the three month period
By
In-person reporting for detainees released on Alternatives to Detention eliminated
All ATD detainees to use phone reporting
Effective date varies across regions beginning March 17
Temporary lookouts in effect for non-compliance with self-isolation requirements
Lookouts will not be issued on all asymptomatic travellers, but on those the CBSA believes may not have respected the requirement to self-isolated and have signaled an unwillingness to comply
Lookouts will be issued for symptomatic travellers who are issued a quarantine order under the Quarantine Act comply with those orders
Lookout information will be maintained for a period of 14 days and will be shared with U.S. CBP where required
PHAC will be notified every time CBSA encounters an individual that it believes has failed to comply with the order to self-isolate
CBSA suspends all trade compliance interactions with trade chain partners until April 20
The suspension provides industry an additional 30 days to submit corrections to the CBSA following a trade compliance verification
All deadlines imposed in connection with a verification are automatically extended by a period of time equivalent to the period of suspension
Expansion of contact tracing to all travellers arriving in land and air mode who are required to self-isolate (PHAC)
Effective March 31, 12:01 am, the CBSA captures basic biographical data and contact information for the traveller while in Canada. Once completed, it is provided to PHAC
PHAC determines when and how to share this information with provincial authorities and/or law enforcement
Tariff classification and other information to import medical supplies (WCO)
Listing of medical supplies for COVID-19 based on Harmonized System (HS) codes provided by the World Customs Organization identified by tariff classification under Canada's Customs Tariff
Customs Notice 20-12 COVID-19 issued to inform the commercial importing community of tariff classification and release information, including eligibility for duty free or remission of duties and taxes
Domestic PHAC exemption for Mohawks of Akwesasne First Nation
Effective April 2, domestic travellers from the Mohawks of Akwesasne First Nation transiting the Cornwall Port of Entry (Ontario) are exempt from the requirement to provide biographic information to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Carriers to sign up for electronic notices
All carriers are encouraged to sign up to receive electronic notices.
Centralized traveller history requests pursuant to Quarantine Act
Warrant Response Centre implemented a centralized response for law enforcement to request 14 day traveller histories in relation to travellers suspected of non-compliance with the Quarantine Act
Association of Canadian Chiefs of Police was provided with the new direction for making requests to the WRC for dissemination to police services
Relief of imported goods for emergency use
In collaboration with Finance Canada, the CBSA provided relief of duty and tax for goods required for an emergency and are imported by or on behalf of federal, provincial or municipal entities involved such as centres for health care as well as by or on behalf of members of first response organizations such as police, fire and local civil defense groups, including medical response teams.
Sharing of COVID-19 lookouts with RCMP
Information related to lookouts shared with RCMP on a daily basis
RCMP has agreed to provide this information to local or provincial police of jurisdiction
Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) decommissioning delay
The CAED decommissioning date has been extended from to , however, exporters and customs service providers are encouraged to activate their Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) accounts as soon a possible.
Temporary reduction of select land ports of entry (POEs)
CBSA temporarily reduces the hours of service at 27 low-traffic POEs: 3 in British Columbia; 2 in Alberta; 8 in Saskatchewan; 6 in Manitoba; and 8 in Quebec. Opening of one seasonal POE in Alberta will be delayed
Hours of service match with US CPB POE reductions
OIC 10 – Enhanced border measures in support of mandatory Quarantine and Isolation
Travellers are required to make the following declaration: "I acknowledge that I/we must quarantine (if no symptoms) or isolate (if symptomatic) for 14 days to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19"
Technicians entering Canada to maintain or repair equipment necessary to support critical infrastructure have been exempted from mandatory quarantine by the Chief Public Health Officer
Every person entering Canada is required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering. After making the declaration, the CBSA officer will ensure the traveller is wearing an appropriate mask or face covering in line with guidance provided by PHAC
Should a traveller not have an appropriate face covering or mask, the BSO will provide one to them
If required, the BSO will ask a traveller to remove their face covering for the purpose of identity verification. In such cases, the BSO is to ensure the traveller is at a 2m distance of the BSO when not wearing a face covering or mask
Medical supplies
Customs Notice 20-12 (March 31) was updated to cover a greater range of medical equipment and supplies such as oxygen concentrators and sample collection sets
A list of medical supplies for COVID-19 based on HS codes provided by the World Customs Organization has been identified by tariff classification under Canada's Customs Tariff
A correction was also made for the tariff classification of plastic face shields. This change is revenue neutral as the original classification and the new classification are both duty free
Suspension of all trade compliance interactions with trade chain partners extended until further notice.
Travel restrictions extended for 30 days
Restrictions put in place on March 21 to April 21 have been extended for 30 days (until May 21)
These restrictions prohibit any foreign national, including U.S. nationals, from entering Canada in all modes of travel (air, land, rail and marine), subject to certain exceptions (see March 21 entry)
Amendments to the Immigration Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR)
Amendments have been made to the IRPR that impose obligations on the employers of temporary foreign workers to ensure that employees have the ability to comply with the quarantine measures that are imposed when they enter Canada
Further IRPR amendments provide the authority to delegated officials to issue a removal order for non-compliance with a new condition that requires compliance with any order issued under the Quarantine Act or Emergencies Act
Additional amendments have been made to introduce a set of factors to assess the suitability of any person who wishes to post a guarantee on behalf of a foreign worker, that they will comply with conditions imposed on them upon entry
Removals postponed (extension)
All inland removals (excluding cases where removal order is issued at Port of Entry) will continue be postponed until
Does not apply for national security, organized crime, crimes against humanity and criminal cases and for those individuals who are willing to leave the country voluntarily (a statutory declaration must be signed by these individuals)
These excepted removals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by CBSA senior management prior to their occurrence
CBSA issues direction to travellers driving across land borders into Canada to wear a non-medical mask or face covering
Extension of restriction on non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. Border
Restrictions have been extended to
Temporary direct backs continue in air and marine mode
Extended measures put in place for direct backs for claimants arriving between ports of entry, as well as the application of the Safe Third Country Agreement at land POEs
Additional exemptions for refugee claims made at POE include those pursuant to Minister Discretion based on national or public interest, including persons charged with the death penalty
POEs will complete processing once asylum seekers have completed 14-day self-isolation or quarantine periods. If the individual was symptomatic, they will not be released from self-isolation until verified by a PHAC quarantine officer as safe to release
IRCC and/or PHAC are responsible for transporting and housing of asylum seekers post-processing
Soft launch of ArriveCAN mobile application
ArriveCAN is a mobile application that enables all incoming travellers to Canada (by air or land) to submit mandatory contact tracing information quickly, easily and securely
Information is collected under the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) contact tracing form (Covid-19 Form) (e.g., tombstone data, such as flight, traveller, and isolation address details, etc.)
ArriveCAN serves as an encouraged alternative to the current COVID-19 paper contact tracing form used at Ports of Entry (POEs) and is available on the Google Play and Apple Stores
CBSA, on behalf of PHAC, is responsible for developing the application, collecting, storing the data and reporting data to PHAC
PHAC is responsible for overall project delivery and implementation
The application was promoted at Vancouver International Airport and the Douglas Land POE (BC)
Safety measures for commercial stakeholders
CBSA commercial offices open to the public are employing systems to promote physical distancing for our commercial clients, including driver queuing areas and waiting rooms, the use of signage and/or the use of tape or any other marking material on floors to identify the PHAC recommended 2 metre distance. Officers have been briefed on preventing the spread of COVID-19, and plexiglass protective barriers in higher-risk CBSA facilities are beginning to be installed.
Information for carriers/drivers
Additional information for Carriers and Drivers is provided with respect to border measures and commercial conveyances.
National launch of ArriveCan application
Regulatory Amendments Regarding the Imposition of Mandatory Conditions on Foreign Nationals Authorized to Enter Canada in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) were made to:
impose mandatory conditions related to ensure compliance with orders or regulations made under the Emergencies Act or the Quarantine Act
provide Ministerial authority to issue removal orders for specific non-compliance related to the failure to comply with such requirements
Waiving tariffs on certain medical goods
The Government of Canada announced that it is waiving tariffs on certain medical goods, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves
CBSA updated Customs Notice 20-19 accordingly
System changes to validate PPE importations
The CBSA has made system changes to ensure that importations of PPE can be validated electronically, thereby ensuring that supplies meet import requirements and are not unnecessarily delayed.
Temporary suspension of service at select air and marine ports of entry (until further notice)
Temporary suspension of the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program
The RABC, which is only available in parts of northwestern Ontario and southeastern Manitoba, has been temporarily suspended
Permit holders cannot use their RABC permit to enter Canada until current Canadian travel restrictions are lifted
Termination of the automatic waiver of late accounting penalties
The CBSA announced it will no longer automatically waive late accounting penalties, effective
As per standard practice, an importer may, however, request a review of a late accounting penalty
Removals postponed (extension)
All inland removals (excluding cases where removal order is issued at Port of Entry) will continue be postponed until
Does not apply for national security, organized crime, crimes against humanity and criminal cases and for those individuals who are willing to leave the country voluntarily (a statutory declaration must be signed by these individuals)
These excepted removals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by CBSA senior management prior to their occurrence
Extension of restriction on non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. Border
Restrictions have been extended to
Temporary direct backs continue in air and marine mode
Extended measures continue for direct backs for claimants arriving between ports of entry, as well as the application of the Safe Third Country Agreement at land POEs
Updated measures for cruise ships and passenger vessels in Canadian waters
Cruise ships with overnight accommodations allowed to carry more than 100 persons are prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until .
New measures for the use of face coverings in the Canadian transportation sector
The use of face coverings by workers and others involved in the transportation system will be expanded to reduce the risk of COVID-19
This approach complements recent regulations and guidelines for passengers to use face coverings in certain circumstances when travelling by air, marine and rail
OIC 13 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States)
In effect until
Updated to include exceptions for:
diplomats and their immediate family
international-to-international transit
exemptions for people on conveyances which pass through Canadian waters and air space and do not land in Canada
discretionary entry by immediate family members of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Immediate family members can enter pursuant to the new exemption if: (1) they are asymptomatic (2) they are entering Canada to be with their immediate family member; and (3) they can demonstrate the intent to stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days
OIC 14 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)
In effect until
Updated to include exceptions for: discretionary entry by foreign nationals who are immediate family members of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Immediate family members can enter pursuant to the new exemption if: (1) they are asymptomatic (2) they are entering Canada to be with their immediate family member; and (3) they can demonstrate the intent to stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days
Additional exemption for people on conveyances which pass through Canadian waters and air space and do not land in Canada
OIC 15 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 2.
In effect until
Updates include the addition of a new non-application exception for persons whose presence in Canada is determined to be in the national interest
This determination can be made by any of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Citizenship and Immigration, or Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
This new provision may be used to provide professional athletes and staff of professional sports leagues with an exemption from the 14-day quarantine requirement, provided they abide by conditions imposed by the Minister granting the exemption
Sports leagues and professional athletes will be issued National Interest Exemption letters with conditions developed in consultation with the Minister of Health
Also includes technical amendments to correct double negative error in paragraph 4(1)(c) and in subparagraph 10(1)(b)(iii) of the English version of OIC 10
OIC 16 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)
In effect until
No additional amendments; OIC 14 is simply extended until the new expiry date of the Order
OIC 17 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States)
In effect until
Technical amendments were made to the language in paragraphs 3(j) and (k) to reflect that decisions have been made "as determined by", rather than "in the opinion of", public officials
Removal of a moot clause pertaining to international marine vessels that have left port before resulting in the alphabetical changes to certain clauses in subsection 3(1)
OIC 18 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 3
In effect until
Requires every individual who enters Canada, and is required to quarantine or isolate, to wear a mask or face covering upon entry to Canada and while in transit to a place of quarantine or isolation, a health care facility, or a place of departure from Canada, unless they are alone in a private vehicle
Individuals who are exempt from the quarantine requirement are now required to wear a mask or face covering while they are in public settings if physical distancing cannot be maintained
Provides for one asymptomatic person to accompany a minor or a person requiring assistance if they must temporarily leave quarantine in a medical emergency or for essential medical appointments
Additional changes to provide clarity that every person entering Canada is required to answer any questions asked by a screening officer, quarantine officer, or public health official for the duration of the 14-day period beginning on the day they enter Canada
End of the deferral period for the payment of duties and taxes
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CBSA published the Customs Notice 20-11 on , Extension of Timeframes for Payment of Customs Duties and GST (COVID-19), notifying importers that the payment deadline for all statements of account for amounts owing during the months of March, April and May 2020 would be extended to
On , the Minister of Finance issued a news release indicating that, with a broad range of economic measures and support programs now in place, the GST/HST and customs duty payment deferral is ending as planned on . As such, all statements of account became payable
Additional temporary service reductions at select Canadian ports of entry
Temporary reduction of service hours at additional land, air, and marine POEs in addition to deferring seasonal opening hours at select POEs. These COVID-19 related measures are temporary and in effect as of at 11:59 pm EDT. They will remain in effect until further notice.
The CBSA will proceed with the following temporary measures:
reducing the hours of operation at 12 land POEs
reducing the hours of operation at 8 air POEs
deferring the seasonal opening of one marine POE
deferring the shift to seasonal hours of operation at one land POE
Resumption of trade compliance work
The CBSA is resuming a full range of trade compliance work and adapting its practices to reflect the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. The CBSA is prioritizing actions where importers have indicated there is a willingness to advance their audit or verification, on compliance verifications or other interventions involving higher dollar amounts, files close to completion, and other important files.
Customs Notice 20-24 - CBSA Reporting Patterns IT Limitations
This notice provides information on how to transmit high volumes of cargo reports. It is for the attention of carriers, freight forwarders, importers, brokers and service providers. To decrease the impacts caused by a high number of Advance Commercial Information (ACI) supplemental or electronic house bills per primary cargo, industry has been provided a list of recommendations.
Soft launch of ArriveCAN version 2.0 (Phase II)
This version includes features for travellers to complete a 48-hour check-in upon arrival into Canada, and submit voluntary symptom tracking throughout the 14-day quarantine period. While exempt travellers are not required to quarantine upon entry, they must now provide their contact information at the border, and are encouraged to use the application. Border Services Officers can now see a traveller's response which would trigger a referral.
National launch of ArriveCAN version 2.0 (Phase II)
OIC 19 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)
In effect until
No additional amendments; OIC 16 is simply extended until the new expiry date of the Order
Customs Notice 20-26
The CBSA has been notified by Transport Canada, Registrar of Imported Vehicles that certain fees are being increased as of . Customs Notice 20-26 advises importers that vehicles required to be registered with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) using Form 1 or Form 3 will be subject to increases.
Additional temporary service reductions at select Canadian ports of entry
In order to align with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's decision to reduce hours of service, the CBSA has temporarily reduced the hours of operations at 2 additional land POEs and further reduced the hours of service at one previously-announced land POE. These COVID-19 related measures are temporary and in effect as of at 11:59 pm EDT. They will remain in effect until further notice.
OIC 20 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States)
In effect until
Includes a minor technical amendment to add "class of persons" to the national interest exemption to align with other previous Orders
Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR) lifted on Hubei province, China
OIC 21 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)
In effect until
No additional amendments; OIC 19 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order
Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Essential Service Designation – Exemption from Mandatory Isolation Requirements - (para 6(e) of s.58 Order made pursuant to the Quarantine Act
Exempts Canadian officers (including CBSA officers) who escort individuals travelling to Canada or from Canada pursuant to a legal process from mandatory isolation requirements.
CPHO Essential Service Designation – Exemption from Prohibition on Entry Requirements from any country other than the US - (para 3(1)(j)(ii) of s.58 Order made pursuant to the Quarantine Act
Exempts foreign officers who escort individuals travelling to Canada or from Canada pursuant to a legal process from the prohibition on entry.
OIC 22 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country Other than the United States)
In effect until
No additional amendments; OIC 20 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order
OIC 23 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 4
In effect until
No additional amendments; OIC 18 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order
Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, No. 7
Temperature screening at the four major airports for all outbound flights by CATSA. Locations include: Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto
Temperature screening includes airport staff (i.e. CBSA staff)
Removals postponed (extension)
All inland removals (excluding cases where removal order is issued at port of entry) continue to be postponed
This does not apply for serious inadmissibility cases (e.g., national security, organized crime, crimes against humanity and criminal cases) and for those individuals who are willing to leave the country voluntarily (a statutory declaration must be signed by these individuals)
These excepted removals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by CBSA senior management prior to their occurrence
Escorted removals of serious inadmissibility cases re-commenced on (also on a case-by-case basis)
OIC 24 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)
In effect until
No additional amendments; OIC 21 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order
OIC 25 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States)
In effect until
No additional amendments; OIC 22 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order
OIC 26 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 5
In effect until
No additional amendments; OIC 23 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order
OIC 27 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)
In effect until
Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry by asymptomatic foreign nationals who are extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have (1) a statutory declaration attesting to their relationship signed by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and (2) have a written authorization from IRCC to enter Canada
The discretionary purpose test will not apply to foreign nationals who can also demonstrate the intent to (3) be with their extended family member and (4) stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days
Extended family member, in respect of a person, means:
(a) an individual in an exclusive dating relationship with the person for more than a year and that has spent time in the physical presence of the person during the relationship
(b) a dependent child of the individual referred to in paragraph (a)
(c) a child of the person or the person's spouse, common-law partner or the or the individual referred to in paragraph (a) other than a dependent child
(d) the dependent child of a child referred to in paragraph (c)
(e) a sibling, half-sibling or step sibling of the person or the person's spouse or common-law partner; or
(f) a grandparent of the person or the person's spouse or common-law partner.
Updated to include a prohibition on entry for international students who seek to enter Canada after unless they are attending a listed institution. They must also hold a valid study permit, or be eligible to apply for a study permit when entering Canada, or have written notice of the approval of their study permit application.
Listed institutions are determined by provincial governments to have appropriate measures in place to ensure students can meet mandatory quarantine and isolation obligations as per any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act
The list of institutions will be published and maintained by IRCC on their website
Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry for travel on compassionate grounds in relation to a foreign national, who the Minister of Health has determined intends to enter Canada to:
Attend to the death or provide support to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada and who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to be critically ill
Provide care for a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to have a medical reason as to why they require support
Attend a funeral or end of life ceremony
Foreign nationals seeking entry for compassionate reasons must obtain a travel authorization letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada
OIC 28 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States)
In effect until
Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry by asymptomatic foreign nationals who are extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have (1) a statutory declaration attesting to their relationship signed by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and (2) have a written authorization from IRCC to enter Canada
The discretionary purpose test will not apply to foreign nationals who can also demonstrate the intent to (3) be with their extended family member and (4) stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days
Extended family member, in respect of a person, means:
(a) an individual in an exclusive dating relationship with the person for more than a year and that has spent time in the physical presence of the person during the relationship
(b) a dependent child of the individual referred to in paragraph (a)
(c) a child of the person or the person's spouse, common-law partner or the or the individual referred to in paragraph (a) other than a dependent child
(d) the dependent child of a child referred to in paragraph (c)
(e) a sibling, half-sibling or step sibling of the person or the person's spouse or common-law partner; or
(f) a grandparent of the person or the person's spouse or common-law partner
Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry for international students, and their immediate family members (other than a dependent child of a dependent child), who seek to enter Canada after for the purpose of attending a listed institution and hold a valid study permit, are eligible to apply for a study permit when entering Canada, or have written notice of the approval of their study permit application
Listed institutions are determined by provincial governments to have appropriate measures in place to ensure students can meet mandatory quarantine and isolation obligations as per any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act
The list of institutions will be published and maintained by IRCC on their website
Persons with a study permit or who have received written notice of approval before noon , but have not been issued a permit, will not be authorized entry after
Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry for travel on compassionate grounds in relation to a foreign national, who the Minister of Health has determined intends to enter Canada to:
attend to the death or provide support to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada and who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to be critically ill
provide care for a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to have a medical reason as to why they require support
attend a funeral or end of life ceremony
Foreign nationals seeking entry for compassionate reasons must obtain a travel authorization letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada
OIC 29 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 6
In effect until
Updated to include an exemption from the requirement to remain in quarantine where the Minister of Health has determined the person intends to enter Canada on compassionate grounds and where the CPHO determines that temporary release from quarantine is required to:
Attend to the death or provide support to a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, Temporary Resident, Protected Person or Registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada, who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to be critically ill
Provide care to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada, who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to have a medical reason as to why they require support; or
Attend a funeral or end of life ceremony
Updated to include an amendment to the accompanying person exception in subsection 7(1.1) and 12(1.1) where "minor" is replaced by "dependent child"
OIC 30 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)
In effect until
No additional amendments; OIC 27 is simply rolled over until the new expiry date of this order
OIC 31 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States)
In effect until
Updated subsections 3(2) and 3(3) to add persons registered as Indians under the Indian Act to the provisions exempting immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents from the discretionary purpose test when foreign nationals seeking entry intend to be with their immediate or extended family member and intend to stay more than 15 days
Updated to include a redrafted compassionate entry provision [section 5.3] specifying additional requirements that must be satisfied for an application for entry and limited release from quarantine (if required) to be approved by PHAC. [No operational impact for the CBSA]
OIC 32 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States)
In effect until
Updated paragraphs 3(1)(a) and 3(1)(a.1) to add persons registered as Indians under the Indian Act to the list of classes of persons exempt from the prohibition on entry, namely immediate and extended family members respectively
Updated subsection 3(4) by merging the previous immediate and extended family member provisions into one and adding registered Indians to the exemption from the discretionary purpose test when foreign nationals seeking entry intend to be with their immediate or extended family member and intend to stay more than 15 days
Updated to include a new subsection 3(2.1) to mirror subsection 4(1) of the US OIC prohibiting foreign nationals from entering Canada if, based on the purpose of entry and length of their stay, they cannot comply with the applicable requirement to quarantine
Updated to include a redrafted compassionate entry provision [section 3.2] specifying additional requirements that must be satisfied for an application for entry and limited release from quarantine (if required) to be approved by PHAC. [No operational impact for the CBSA]
OIC 33 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 7
In effect until
Updated to include multiple quarantine exemption provisions for: Cross-border students:
Elementary and secondary students enrolled in a listed institution in Canada entering to attend the institution regularly, as long as the applicable jurisdiction and local health authority approved quarantine exempt students; and
Their drivers, as long as they only enter to escort the student to and from the listed institution and wear a mask while outside the vehicle, if at all, only to escort the student to and from the institution. [Paragraphs 6 (p) and (q)]
Students enrolled in educational institutions in the US who attend regularly, and return to their habitual place of residence in Canada; and
Their drivers who return to Canada after dropping off or picking up the student in the US, as long as they wear a mask while outside the vehicle, if at all, only for the purposes of escorting the student to and from the institution.[Paragraphs 6 (r) and (s)]
Cross-border custody arrangements:
Dependent children entering Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting; and
Their drivers, going to the US and returning to Canada, or entering Canada and returning to the US, as long as they only leave the vehicle, if at all, to escort the child to and from the vehicle while wearing a mask. [Paragraphs 6(t), (u) and (v)]
Cross-border communities:
Habitual residents of remote communities of Northwest Angle (Minnesota) or Hyder (Alaska) who only enter Canada to access necessities of life from the closest community where such necessities are available [paragraph 6(w)]
Habitual residents of remote communities of Campobello Island (NB) and Stewart (BC) who enter Canada after going to the US solely to access necessities of life in the closest US community where such necessities are available [paragraph 6(x)]
Land border crossing:
Persons who enter Canada at a land border crossing, as long as they remained in the vehicle while outside of Canada after they were denied entry to the US or entered US territory without seeking formal entry ("flagpolers"). [Paragraph 6(y)]
Updated to include an exemption from quarantine for persons participating in a project (i.e. Alberta Pilot) to gather information to inform the development of quarantine requirements other than those set out in the Order as long as they comply with the conditions imposed on them by PHAC [section 6.2]
Updated to include a redrafted compassionate entry provision [subsection 7.1(1)] specifying additional requirements that must be satisfied for PHAC to authorize a limited release from quarantine. These requirements include confirmation by PHAC that the applicable jurisdiction has not communicated its opposition to the exemption from quarantine and that the person in charge of the location where the activity is to take place does not object to the presence of the person released from quarantine ArriveCAN:
Updated to include additional requirements to submit information to PHAC:
Before boarding a flight to Canada (air mode) or when entering Canada (all other modes), every person must provide a quarantine plan (including address) and/or contact information for the 14-day quarantine period by electronic means specified by PHAC, unless they cannot submit this information because of a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case this information can be provided in an alternate manner. [Subsections 1.1(1) to (4)]
This obligation does not apply to persons in transit who remain in sterile transit areas [subsection 1.1(5)]
This section comes into force on November 20
Additional updates to sections 3, 4, 9 and 10 reflect new electronic reporting requirements to PHAC (after entry into Canada) also come into force on November 20. [No operational impact for the CBSA]
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