Help for ArriveCAN
On this page
- Using the ArriveCAN app
- Sign in online
- Creating your ArriveCAN account
- Troubleshooting
- Travel exempt from quarantine
- Updating your information
- Deleting the ArriveCAN app
- After you arrive in Canada
- Contact us
Using the ArriveCAN app
The mobile app is free on the Google Play Store and the App Store for iPhone. It lets you save your submission and finish it later.
To download and install the app, you'll need to have one of the following:
- an Apple device running iOS 12 or above
- an Android device running OS 6 or above
If your phone has an older operating system, sign in online to submit your information.
Once you’ve installed the app, you’ll be able to use it in airplane mode. You’ll need an internet connection to submit your information once it’s filled out.
Sign in online
You can also sign in online to submit your information. You can access the site on any personal or public device, like a:
- tablet
- laptop
- smartphone
- desktop computer
The site is supported by all recent internet browser versions other than Internet Explorer. The site:
- is accessible for people with disabilities
- requires a constant connection to the internet to work
Creating your ArriveCAN account
To create an ArriveCAN account, download the ArriveCAN app or sign in online. It will ask you to:
- review the privacy notice
- select "Create an account" below the "Sign in" button
- enter your email address
- create a password
- enter the password again
- click "Submit"
ArriveCAN will send a 6-digit character confirmation code to your email address. If you haven't received the code after a few minutes:
- check your junk email or
- return to ArriveCAN and select "Resend code"
When you receive your code, enter it into ArriveCAN to finish creating your account. This code is valid for 24 hours. Once it expires, you'll need to request a new verification code to set up your account.
Your email login and password will work for both the ArriveCAN mobile app and when you sign in online.
It takes less than 10 minutes to create your account and complete your first submission. The ArriveCAN app saves your contact information for future travel, so future submissions will take less than 3 minutes to complete.
The ArriveCAN app also has optional document scanning technology to make it easier and faster for you to input your travel document information. The following documents can be scanned:
- passport
- FAST card
- NEXUS card
- enhanced driver’s licence
Submission and receipt
Once you successfully complete your ArriveCAN submission, you'll receive an ArriveCAN receipt. It includes a summary of your travel (border crossing and date of arrival) and a list of travellers. At the bottom of the receipt, there's a 6-digit confirmation code.
This code is proof that you've successfully completed your submission. Your ArriveCAN receipt doesn't provide confirmation that you're eligible to enter Canada or of your exempt travel status.
You may see a letter identifier beside your name on your receipt. This indicates that you have to discuss with a public health officer one of the following upon entry:
- your quarantine plan (Q)
- your symptom self-assessment (S)
- your government-authorized hotel (H)
You’ll receive a copy of your receipt by email. You must show your receipt to a Canada border services officer upon entry. You can show your receipt by presenting either of the following:
- the email
- a printout
- a screenshot
- through ArriveCAN directly
No other action is required on your part, unless you're an exempt traveller arriving by air. In that case, you must enter a code in the app. This will be provided to you by a Canada border services officer upon entry after your exempt traveller status is confirmed. If you signed in online to submit your exempt travel information, the Canada border services officer will input the code for you.
If the Canada border services officer determines that your travel is not exempt, you'll be asked to provide information on your quarantine plan. Don’t click on “Complete your quarantine plan” on your receipt unless you’re directed to do so by a border services officer.
Troubleshooting
ArriveCAN isn't working
If you're using the app, make sure you have the most up-to-date version. Open the app store on your device and manually update the app. If that doesn't work, uninstall the app and reinstall it.
If that doesn't work, send us an email. Include the following:
- a screenshot of the issue, if possible
- the model and type of phone you're using, and the app version
To find out which version of the app you have, find the version number (v#.#.#) in either of these locations:
- below the sign-in box on the main sign-in screen
- select the 3 horizontal lines on the top left of the ArriveCAN main screen
- the version number is at the bottom left of the pop out screen
You can also sign in to ArriveCAN online.
If you signed into ArriveCAN online, note that ArriveCAN doesn't work on Internet Explorer.
If you’re using a supported browser and ArriveCAN isn’t working:
- clear your cache
- close your browser
- re-open your browser
Most technical issues with ArriveCAN can be resolved this way.
If it still doesn't work, contact us.
You forgot your password
If you forget your password, click on "Forgot password?" below the sign in button. We'll send instructions by email on how to reset your password.
Make sure you input your email address correctly and check your spam folder.
You must follow the instructions in the email within 1 hour of receiving it. If you wait longer, open ArriveCAN and click “Forgot password?” again to restart the process.
Password creation issues
Ensure your new password contains an upper case and lower case letter, a digit as well as a common special character, such as: = + - ^ $ * . [ ] { } ( ) ? " ! @ # % & / \ , > < ' : ; | _ ~ ).
Less common special characters aren’t accepted.
Your airline isn't listed
If your airline isn't on the list of airlines or you're travelling by private aircraft, select "Other" when using the mobile app. Then, type in your airline name. A default number will appear in the flight number field. If the default number doesn't auto-populate, manually input "PC0000" into the flight number field.
Incorrect arrival time listed
ArriveCAN takes time zone differences into account based on the city you arrive in. If the time is still incorrect, reload the web page or app.
You don't have a surname on your travel documentation
The "Surname" field on travel documentation means the last name you were given at birth. If your travel documentation doesn't have a surname on it, write all names listed on your passport in the required field for your surname.
You’re a Canadian resident, permanent resident of Canada or person registered under the Indian Act travelling home and you don’t know what to select under purpose of travel
If you’re a Canadian resident, permanent resident of Canada or person registered under the Indian Act travelling home to Canada, you should select “Other” as your purpose of travel.
You're travelling to Canada for extended family reunification but don't know what to select under purpose of travel
If you're travelling for extended family reunification, select "Family reunification" as your purpose of travel.
You're travelling to Canada for high-performance amateur sports
You would indicate that your travel is exempt. Select "Essential services" as your purpose of travel.
You don’t know which address to use for your final quarantine location
If you’re entering by air, your final quarantine location is where you’ll go to finish your quarantine after your 3-night stay at a government-authorized hotel. You’ll need to provide the full address of this place of quarantine for you and the travellers listed in your submission.
It’s not the location of the government-authorized hotel where you’ll stay for the first few nights of quarantine.
You didn’t book and pre-pay for a 3-night stay at a government-authorized hotel before entering your information into ArriveCAN
Unless exempt, air travellers must book and pre-pay for a 3-night stay at a government-authorized hotel. In ArriveCAN, you’ll be asked if you booked and pre-paid for your government-authorized hotel stay.
- If you answer yes, you’ll be asked to input your trip reference code.
- Your trip reference code is a 6-digit alphanumeric code that will be on your hotel booking confirmation email.
- If you answer no, you’ll be reminded of this requirement.
- You don’t need to book a 3-night stay if you’re exempt from this requirement.
- Failure to book a room in a government-authorized hotel may result in fines upon entry to Canada.
- Your receipt will be flagged and you’ll be referred to an officer from the Public Health Agency of Canada upon entry.
You’re exempt from the requirement to stay in a government-authorized hotel and don’t know what to put in ArriveCAN
If you’re exempt from the requirement to stay in a government-authorized hotel, you should respond ‘No’ when ArriveCAN asks you for your booking information.
You’ll receive a message in ArriveCAN that outlines the consequences for failing to book a hotel and a link for more information.
Your receipt will be flagged with an ‘H’ icon. This informs the government official that they need to verify if you’re exempt from the requirement to stay in a government-authorized hotel.
Confirming that your information has been submitted successfully
When you successfully complete your ArriveCAN submission, we'll give you a receipt with a 6-digit character confirmation code. The code is proof that you have successfully completed your submission.
You can view this receipt at any time by clicking on “View your ArriveCAN receipt” in the app or online.
If you're an exempt traveller entering by air, you must enter a code. A borders services officer will give this to you when you arrive in Canada after confirming your exempt traveller status. If you're not exempt, they'll direct you to complete your quarantine plan. Don’t click on “Complete your quarantine plan” on your receipt unless you’re directed to do so by a border services officer.
The officer will input code for you if you:
- signed in online to submit your exempt travel information
- have no data and can’t retrieve your information
Your ArriveCAN receipt
Your ArriveCAN receipt shows that you've successfully completed your submission within ArriveCAN.
It doesn't validate or confirm your:
- eligibility to enter Canada
- exempt travel status
Inputting a phone number
If you're using a newly established area code, send us an email and we can manually input your information.
If you're using a phone number from a country outside of North America, add "+" to the beginning of the phone number and your country code. If you're using the mobile application and this doesn't work, try:
- deleting the application from your device
- restarting your device
- downloading the application again
- reinstalling the application
Inputting your email address
If ArriveCAN tells you your email address is invalid during registration, check its format by:
- removing any spaces
- making sure all characters are correct
- inputting it without using auto-fill options
If this doesn’t work, try using another email address, reload the web page or re-download and restart the app.
Inputting your travel date
You can only complete your submission if you're planning to arrive in Canada within the next 365 days. Try using:
- the calendar entry button to ensure the proper format
- another internet browser
If you still can't input the date, reload the web page or delete, re-download and restart the mobile app.
Inputting a travel document number
Make sure you’re inputting an official travel document. ArriveCAN accepts the following documents:
- passport
- FAST card (PASSID)
- NEXUS card (PASSID)
- permanent resident card
- enhanced driver’s licence
- U.S. permanent resident card
- certificate of Indian status (CIS)
- secure certificate of Indian status (CSIS)
If you’re using a travel document and the number doesn’t work:
- input the information without using auto-fill
- make sure you’ve selected the correct travel document type
- manually input the number if you previously tried scanning your document in the app
Issues receiving your verification code upon registration
If you're using the mobile app, make sure you have the most up-to-date version. We suggest you uninstall and reinstall the app to be sure.
If you're signing in online, make sure you're using a supported internet browser. ArriveCAN doesn't work on Internet Explorer.
If you didn't receive a verification code, and haven't left the "Verify your account" page in ArriveCAN, click on "Resend code."
If you're having issues entering your verification code:
- Attempt to sign in to your account on the main screen with the email and password you created. Don't click on "Create account."
- You'll receive a pop up message saying that your account exists but hasn't been verified. Click on "Send me a verification code."
- Check your email for the 6-digit character confirmation code. Enter the 6-digit code into ArriveCAN.
- Check your junk or spam folders if you didn't receive the email.
- Don't close the app while on the "Verify your account" screen. Doing so will mean you need to restart the process of resending the code.
- After you enter your verification code, your account is registered. Use the same email and password to sign in to the mobile app and ArriveCAN online.
If you still haven’t received a verification code, create a new ArriveCAN account using a new email address.
You made a mistake in your submission
Click on the arrow to go to the previous screen if you've made a mistake inputting your information and you haven't yet:
- pressed submit or
- received an ArriveCAN receipt
You have to re-enter your travel information and complete a new submission if you've:
- already submitted your information and
- you've made a mistake or your travel details change
We'll accept your most recent submission.
You submitted your information but are no longer travelling
If you're no longer travelling, there's nothing for you to do. You don't need to tell us you're not travelling.
You can’t print your receipt or don’t have a printer
If you signed into ArriveCAN online, you’ll be sent your ArriveCAN receipt by email. You can print or take a screenshot of your receipt, or show the email. This is needed to show the border services officer. The “Print” button can be found at the bottom of the receipt.
If you don’t have a printer, you can:
- sign in to your ArriveCAN account at a public library or internet café with access to printers
- take a screenshot and save the photo to your phone
- ask someone with access to technology to print or screenshot the receipt
Daily reporting and confirming arrival
On the day after you arrive in Canada (day 2 of your quarantine), you’ll be prompted to confirm
- email if you sign in online or use the app
- push notification if you use the app
You’ll also need to begin providing your daily symptom self-assessments for the rest of your quarantine.
To complete your reporting, click on “Complete your daily check in” or the bell icon at the top right hand corner of the app. You can’t start your reporting until the day after you entered Canada.
You can’t complete your symptom self-assessments or confirm you’ve arrived at your place of quarantine or isolation
On the second day of your quarantine period, you’ll be sent an email notification or mobile app push-notification to:
- complete your daily symptom self-assessment
- confirm you’ve arrived at your place of quarantine or isolation
You’ll receive notifications for your first 14 days in Canada. If you report that you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you’ll no longer complete daily reporting in ArriveCAN.
The dates on your notifications may be inaccurate due to time zones and arrival times.
If you can’t open a link in a notification email, copy and paste the link into a compatible web browser.
If you’re using the mobile app, you can click “Complete your daily check-in” or the bell icon in the top right corner of the main screen.
If you’re unable to complete your check-in, ensure that you’re on day 2 of your quarantine period.
If you’re still unable to report in ArriveCAN, you can also call 1-833-641-0343 to complete your reporting.
Travel exempt from quarantine
You must have a suitable place to quarantine for 14 days upon entry to Canada, unless your reason for entry is considered quarantine exempt.
- Answer a few questions to find out if your travel may be considered exempt from the requirement to quarantine
- Access the full list of travel exempt from quarantine
Some of the reasons for entry for quarantine exempt travel are:
Trade or transport
You work in the trade or transportation sector, such as:
- truck drivers
- crew members on any aircraft, shipping vessel or train
Cross border work
You must cross the border regularly to go to your normal place of employment.
Essential services
You’re:
- entering Canada to access the necessities of life, like those who are part of a remote community that share the Canada-U.S. border, such as:
- Hyder, Alaska
- Stewart, British Columbia
- Northwest Angle, Minnesota
- Campobello Island, New Brunswick
- a technician who needs to install, inspect, maintain or repair equipment necessary to support critical infrastructure, such as:
- government
- energy and utilities
- a member of the Canadian Armed Forces or a visiting force travelling for essential services
Medical support
You’re:
- entering Canada to provide medical care, or to transport essential medical equipment or supplies
- entering Canada to receive essential medical services or treatments
- a licensed health care professional with proof of employment in Canada
You can only have one active submission at one time, even if you cross the border multiple times a day. You must wait until you’ve crossed the border before filling out another submission using ArriveCAN.
Updating your information
You can edit your submission:
- before you travel to Canada
- if you haven’t yet submitted your information and you don’t have an ArriveCAN receipt
If you’ve already submitted your information and have an ArriveCAN receipt, start a new submission in ArriveCAN. We'll discard your previous submission and accept your most recent submission.
To update your contact information or quarantine address after crossing the border, contact us. You must provide:
- your full name
- date of birth
- date of arrival
- previous contact information
- new contact information or quarantine address
A change in quarantine location should only happen in exceptional circumstances. Examples of exceptional circumstances include:
- the unexpected arrival of an elderly family member at your place of quarantine
- being unable to obtain the necessities of life at your place of quarantine
Deleting the ArriveCAN app
If you used the ArriveCAN app to enter Canada, you must keep it installed on your device throughout your quarantine. You'll need it to confirm you've arrived at your place of quarantine or isolation and to complete daily symptom reporting. Once your 14-day quarantine or isolation is completed, you may delete the app.
If you don't use ArriveCAN after you've entered Canada, you'll be required to call 1-833-641-0343 daily to complete your symptom reporting.
After you arrive in Canada
Requirement to quarantine
Emergency orders implemented under the Quarantine Act require all individuals who enter Canada, unless otherwise exempt, to quarantine or isolate themselves for 14 days.
Development of COVID-19 symptoms during your quarantine period
If you show signs of COVID-19 during your 14-day quarantine period, you must isolate for an additional 14 days, starting on the day your symptoms began. Follow the instructions of your local public health authority or Government of Canada official.
If you're exposed to a person who exhibits symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19 during your quarantine period, you must restart your 14-day quarantine.
If you develop symptoms, you're no longer required to complete daily symptom self-assessments in ArriveCAN.
Calculation of your quarantine period
Your quarantine or isolation period begins on the day that you arrive in Canada. For example, if you arrive at 10:30 pm on Thursday, October 1, then Thursday is considered day 1 of your quarantine period. Your quarantine period would end 14 days later, on Wednesday, October 14 at 11:59 pm.
Contact us
If you still have questions, contact us.
Report a problem or mistake on this page
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