Owais Crawford
The ArriveCAN app is used by international air travellers entering Canada at selected airports. It allows travellers to answer customs and immigration questions up to 72 hours in advance of flying into Canada, reducing the time spent at a primary inspection kiosk or eGate upon arrival. The app is currently available at seven major Canadian airports, including Montreal's Trudeau International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport. It is designed to improve efficiency and streamline arrival procedures, contributing to shorter wait times in arrivals halls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows travellers to answer customs and immigration questions up to 72 hours in advance of flying into Canada |
| Availability | Available to international air travellers entering Canada at selected airports |
| Benefits | Spend less time at a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) or eGate when you arrive at the airport |
| Data Retention | Personal information is retained by the CBSA for a period of 72 hours and for a minimum of 15 years on a secure server |
| Account Deletion | Users can delete their ArriveCAN account and saved traveller profile at any time from the mobile or web application |
| Compatibility | Available on the App Store and compatible with up-to-date browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox |
| COVID-19 Vaccination Records | Previously uploaded COVID-19 vaccination records are no longer available via the app |
| Express Lanes | Implemented at seven major Canadian airports, including Montreal's Trudeau International Airport and Calgary International Airport, to reduce border processing times by up to 50% |
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What You'll Learn
- Advance CBSA Declaration allows travellers to answer customs and immigration questions up to 72 hours in advance
- The Advance Declaration feature is entirely optional
- Travellers can use kiosks and eGates to speed up customs
- The ArriveCAN app is available to international air travellers entering Canada at selected airports
- The app is another way for the Canadian government to track people
Advance CBSA Declaration allows travellers to answer customs and immigration questions up to 72 hours in advance
The Advance CBSA Declaration is an optional feature in ArriveCAN that allows travellers to answer customs and immigration questions up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is always looking for new ways to improve travellers' experiences while maintaining the safety and security of Canada's borders. The Advance CBSA Declaration is part of the Agency's Traveller Modernization initiative, which will be implemented over the next few years.
The introduction of digital tools for travellers and border services officers is included in the modernization of the travel experience. These tools will promote faster border processing with less physical contact, reduce potential disease transmission points, and help ensure the long-term safety and security of Canada's borders.
The Advance CBSA Declaration is currently available for international travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson, Montreal-Trudeau, and Vancouver International Airports. In the coming months, it will also be available at Winnipeg, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, Billy Bishop Toronto City, Ottawa, and Quebec City International Airports.
Using the Advance CBSA Declaration can reduce the time a traveller spends at a kiosk by about a third. Travellers can take advantage of this feature by following a few simple steps. First, make sure you have the latest version of the ArriveCAN app and that your profile is up to date. Then, consent to the Terms and Conditions of Use and the Privacy Statement. Your privacy is a top priority for the CBSA. Your declaration information is protected and will be automatically deleted after 72 hours. Next, answer questions about your trip, such as where you are coming from and what you are bringing into Canada.
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The Advance Declaration feature is entirely optional
The Advance Declaration feature on ArriveCAN is entirely optional. This optional feature allows travellers to submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada. This is done through the ArriveCAN app or the web version online. The Advance Declaration feature is currently available only to travellers arriving at certain Canadian international airports.
The Advance Declaration feature is designed to enhance the traveller experience by providing a more modern and efficient way to clear customs and immigration. With this feature, travellers can complete their declaration at their convenience, from the location of their choice, before arriving at the airport. This can save time and streamline the process of passing through the airport, as the CBSA can retrieve and validate the declaration made in advance when the traveller arrives in Canada.
To use the Advance Declaration feature, travellers need to sign in to their ArriveCAN account and provide the required information, including their travel identity document details (passport or Canadian permanent resident card). It is important to answer the customs and immigration questions truthfully. Once the declaration is submitted, a confirmation screen and email will be received, along with a reference number. Upon landing in Canada, travellers can then scan their travel documents at the airport kiosk or eGate to retrieve and review their declaration.
It is important to note that personal information provided through the Advance Declaration feature is encrypted and securely transmitted to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This information is retained by the CBSA for a minimum of 15 years, even if the traveller chooses to delete their ArriveCAN account and saved traveller profile. The privacy of personal information is protected in accordance with the Privacy Act.
While the Advance Declaration feature offers benefits in terms of convenience and efficiency, it is not mandatory. Travellers can still choose to complete their customs and immigration declaration upon arrival at the airport without using the Advance Declaration feature. However, for those who prefer a more streamlined experience, the Advance Declaration feature can be a valuable option.
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Travellers can use kiosks and eGates to speed up customs
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has introduced kiosks and eGates at various airports to expedite the customs process for travellers. These technological advancements are part of the agency's efforts to streamline and speed up the entry and exit processes for passengers.
One notable example is the implementation of the Advance Declaration program, where travellers can submit their customs and immigration information up to 72 hours before arriving in Canada. Upon arrival at the airport, they can then proceed to the designated kiosks or eGates for faster clearance. This process ensures a seamless and efficient experience for travellers, reducing the time spent in customs lines and face-to-face interviews with officers.
The kiosks and eGates are designed to be user-friendly and secure. For instance, the kiosks at Global Entry locations can verify a traveller's identity within three to five seconds through touchless and paperless technology. This process often eliminates the need for travellers to present their passports manually. Additionally, the kiosks are equipped to handle multiple languages, catering to a diverse range of travellers.
The introduction of eGates has also been well-received by travellers and industry experts alike. At the Riviera Maya airport, a pilot program involving electronic gates successfully expedited the international arrivals process. Qualifying passengers can now opt for the quicker option of using eGates, bypassing the traditional customs lines. This initiative aligns with the International Air Transport Association's vision of "contactless travel."
While the kiosks and eGates offer significant advantages, it is important to recognise that not all travellers may be comfortable with or have access to the required technology. As such, the CBSA continues to maintain traditional customs lanes with human agents to assist travellers who prefer or require alternative clearance methods. Nevertheless, the integration of technology has allowed the agency to allocate resources more efficiently, improving the overall customs experience for all travellers.
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The ArriveCAN app is available to international air travellers entering Canada at selected airports
The ArriveCAN app is a free and secure mobile application for travellers entering Canada. It is available in English, French, and Spanish and can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App stores. The ArriveCAN app allows international air travellers to submit their customs and immigration information up to 72 hours in advance of flying into Canada. This helps to reduce the time spent at the primary inspection kiosk (PIK) or eGate upon arrival at the airport.
The app is currently available to international air travellers entering Canada at selected airports. When using ArriveCAN, travellers must provide their travel document information, such as a passport or Canadian permanent resident card. This information is securely stored and linked to the traveller's sign-in account. It is important to note that the same travel document must be used upon arrival in Canada.
In addition to submitting customs and immigration information, the ArriveCAN app previously allowed travellers to upload their proof of vaccination. However, this feature is no longer available, and travellers are directed to visit the COVID-19 proof of vaccination in Canada website to obtain their vaccination records. The ArriveCAN app also includes a “saved traveller profile" feature, which allows travellers to store their personal information securely. This information is encrypted and transmitted to the CBSA, facilitating a faster validation process at the airport.
It is recommended to use the most up-to-date version of the ArriveCAN app to ensure a smooth experience. Travellers can download the latest version or select "update" in their respective app stores. For those who prefer not to use mobile devices, a web version of ArriveCAN is also available. This web version meets the same accessibility standards and guidelines as the mobile app, providing full support for assistive technologies.
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The app is another way for the Canadian government to track people
The ArriveCAN app was launched in April 2020 as a contact-tracing app to help contain the spread of COVID-19. It is available as a mobile app and as a web application. All travellers to Canada are required to use the ArriveCAN app to provide their contact information, report mandatory travel, and complete a self-assessment. The app also allows users to upload their COVID-19 vaccination records and travel identity documents.
While the ArriveCAN app does collect personal information, it is not capable of tracking people's locations automatically through their phones or via GPS. The Government of Canada has stated that the protection of Canadians' information is a priority, and any tool used to collect personal information undergoes a rigorous privacy assessment. Users can also delete their ArriveCAN account and the information saved in their "saved traveller profile" at any time from the mobile or web application. However, it is important to note that deleting an account does not delete previously submitted advance declarations or existing passage records, which are kept by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on a secure server for a minimum of 15 years.
The personal information collected by the CBSA through the ArriveCAN app is provided to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) for their enforcement of the Quarantine Act. This information can be shared with provinces, territories, and law enforcement to monitor and enforce compliance with quarantine or isolation requirements. While the app does not track individuals' locations, it does send notifications to users to complete daily self-assessments at 10:00 am.
In summary, while the ArriveCAN app does collect personal information, it does not appear to be specifically designed for the purpose of tracking people's locations. The app prioritizes the protection of users' information and allows for the deletion of accounts and personal data. However, the information collected can be shared with various government agencies for the enforcement of public health and safety measures.
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Frequently asked questions
ArriveCAN is an app that allows international air travellers to answer customs and immigration questions up to 72 hours in advance of flying into Canada.
At the border, you will be prompted to scan your travel document and confirm your identity. Once your identity has been confirmed, your Advance CBSA Declaration will be retrieved from ArriveCAN for you to review and certify.
Airports that use ArriveCAN include Montreal's Trudeau International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, and Toronto Pearson Airport.
ArriveCAN allows travellers to spend less time at a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) or eGate when they arrive at the airport. It also contributes to shorter line-ups in arrivals halls.
