For travellers without symptoms of COVID-19 returning to Canada

Organization: Public Health Agency of Canada

Date published: 2020-10-08

Related links

• For travellers with COVID-19 symptoms returning to Canada
• How to quarantine (self-isolate) at home when you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and have no symptoms
• COVID-19 symptoms to watch for after travelling abroad

You may have come into contact with the virus that causes COVID-19

Mandatory quarantine

The Government of Canada has put in place emergency measures to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canada. You must quarantine for 14 days, provide contact information and monitor yourself for symptoms subject to any Order made under the Quarantine Act imposing isolation or quarantine requirements upon entry.

Your compliance with this Order is subject to verification and enforcement. Those in violation may face transfer to a quarantine facility as well as fines and/or imprisonment. Keep this instruction handout to support your compliance with the requirements outlines below.

• Ensure you have a suitable place of quarantine that has access to the necessities of life and is not shared with those at risk of more severe disease.
• Do not quarantine in places you can’t separate yourself from those who live with you. For example: 
  • in a group or communal living setting;
  • in a household with large families or many people;
  • in a shared a small apartment,  or have roommates who have not travelled with you; or
  • at a camp, student dorm or other group setting where there is close contact and shared common spaces.
• Go directly to your place of quarantine without delay and stay there for 14 days from the date you arrived in Canada.
• You must wear a suitable non-medical mask or face covering while in transit, unless you are alone in a private vehicle.
• Practise physical distancing at all times.
• Where possible, use only private transportation such as a private vehicle to reach your place of quarantine.
• Avoid contact with others while in transit:
  • Remain in the vehicle as much as possible;
  • If you need gas, pay at the pump;
  • If you need food, use a drive through;
  • If you need to use a rest area, put on your mask and be mindful of physical distancing and good hygiene practices.

Some provinces and territories have additional travel restrictions

Please refer to the list of provincial and territorial websites for more information.

You must monitor your health for 14 days

If you start experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, fever equal to or greater than 38°C, chills, fatigue or weakness, muscle or body aches, new loss of smell or taste, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting; or feeling very unwell):

• isolate yourself from others.
• follow the COVID-19 instructions of the local public health authority.

The 14-day period starts again if, during your quarantine period, you develop any signs and symptoms of COVID-19, including those noted above, or if you are exposed to another person subject to this Order who exhibits signs and symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19.

For information on flights, cruise ships or trains (any public conveyance) where you may have been exposed to COVID-19 during recent travel, please refer to Locations where you may have been exposed to COVID-19.

For information on risk factors for increased exposure to COVID-19 and/or more severe disease or outcomes, please refer to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks.

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19

• Go directly to your place of quarantine, and avoid making any stops while in transit.
• Check-in within 48 hours of arrival through the ArriveCAN app or call 1-833-641-0343.
• Report your symptoms through the ArriveCAN app or call 1-833-641-0343 every day until the end of your 14-day quarantine.

What you can and cannot do during your 14-day quarantine

Prohibited during quarantine:

• You may not leave your place of quarantine unless it is to seek time-sensitive medical services, or you have received authorization for a limited release from quarantine on compassionate grounds and stringently follow directives provided.
• You may not have any guests even if you are outside and stay 2-m apart from them.
• Do not use shared spaces such as lobbies, courtyards, restaurants, gyms or pools.

Permitted during quarantine:

In your place of quarantine you may:

• Live with family/friends who didn’t travel with you provided you have a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible.
• Use shared spaces such as a kitchen, provided you:
  • limit interactions with others in the household and wear a mask or face covering if a 2-m distance cannot be maintained;
  • thoroughly and regularly clean common areas after use.
• Use private outdoor spaces (i.e. balcony).

Recommended during quarantine:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough or sneeze.

You will be called from 1-888-336-7735 to verify your compliance during your 14-day quarantine.

Note that you may also be contacted by provincial/territorial authorities throughout your 14-day quarantine. If federal and provincial/territorial guidelines differ, you should follow the most precautionary and stringent requirements.

Public Health Authorities