The Canadian government introduced the ArriveCan app in 2020 to gather health information from inbound travellers during the covid pandemic. Use of the app has not been mandatory since 2022. Nowadays, ArriveCAN is an immigration form which can smoothen the arrival in Canada. Besides this immigration form, an eTA Canada is also mandatory.
ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory
The use of ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory. Since 1 October 2022, travellers no longer need to download the app if they want to travel to Canada. This is tied to the loosening of Canada's covid restrictions. Since October 2022, Canada no longer checks whether travellers are vaccinated against covid-19, so there is no need to use ArriveCAN any more. If you travel to Canada soon, you are not required to download the ArriveCAN app. You can, however, use the app for an easier and quicker entry to Canada.
Visa or eTA Canada is required
A visa or eTA is always required for travel to Canada. You must apply for a travel authorisation before departure. Travellers are recommended to apply for the eTA if they are eligible, as the eTA is easier to obtain than a visa. The entire application process can be completed online and the eTA will be issued digitally once approved. Be sure to check the eTA requirements before applying.
Open the eTA application form
ArriveCAN today
Although ArriveCAN is no longer mandatory, the app has not been removed. Currently, the app is an alternative to paper immigration forms and digital immigration forms available at kiosks and eGates at Canadian airports. If you register your travel via ArriveCAN, you do not have to fill in any paper forms upon arrival, nor do you have to register your arrival via a kiosk at the airport. You can, however, use the kiosks to change details you have entered in ArriveCAN.
Arriving with eTA and ArriveCAN
If you fill in the digital immigration form via ArriveCAN in addition to holding an eTA or a visa, you will be able to go through immigration control much quicker upon arrival in Canada. Without an eTA or visa, you will not be allowed to enter the country at all. So make sure you apply for the eTA on time. Using ArriveCAN is not mandatory, but it does offer the following benefits:
- You can use the express lanes for persons who have used ArriveCAN to cut down on waiting time on arrival.
- You can complete the form in the ArriveCAN app at your leisure up to 72 hours before departure.
- You can easily change or update your details on arrival via a kiosk or eGate. This is much faster than filling in the entire form on arrival.
Filling in and using ArriveCAN
Currently, you can only use ArriveCAN if you arrive at one of the following Canadian airports:
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) (Terminals 1 and 3)
- Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
- Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
- Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
If you arrive at one of the above-mentioned airports in Canada, you can download the ArriveCAN app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. The app will ask you questions about your personal details, travel plans and possible goods you will be importing. If you do not answer the questions in the ArriveCAN app, you will have to answer them upon arrival. You can complete the form at the earliest 72 hours before departure of your flight to Canada.