Advice for Canadians returning to Canada
31 July 2020 – Message sent to Canadians registered on the Registry of Canadians Abroad (ROCA)
Dear Canadian citizen,
RETURNING TO CANADA?
Under the Quarantine Act, everyone who enters Canada must quarantine or isolate themselves for 14 days. This means staying home and avoiding situations in which you could come in contact with others.
Your quarantine plan should confirm that you have:
- a suitable place of quarantine that has the necessities of life for 14 days
- private transportation to the premises, if possible
- access to supplies such as prescriptions, food and cleaning supplies, and other necessary support such as child care
Do not plan to quarantine in a place where you have contact with individuals who have an underlying medical condition or compromised immune system from a medical condition or treatment, or who are 65 years of age or older.
If you are returning by plane, you must wear a non-medical mask or face covering (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html) while you travel to Canada. You will also be subject to screening prior to boarding. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 will not be able to fly to Canada. Before you travel, check for updates to see how transportation measures (https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/initiatives/covid-19-measures-updates-guidance-tc/covid-19-information-for-travellers.html) affect your plans and what you need to pack.
BEFORE ARRIVING IN CANADA
Downloading the ArriveCAN app (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html#ua) and entering the required information securely within 48 hours before arriving in Canada allows you to spend less time in line and limit your physical contact with others upon arrival.
During the 14 days after you arrive in Canada, the app allows you to voluntarily validate your quarantine plan and provide updates on the possible development of COVID-19 symptoms.
ARRIVING IN CANADA
You must provide specific information when entering Canada, including:
- your 14-day quarantine plan
- your contact information
- a self-assessment of any signs or symptoms of COVID-19
You can submit this information through the ArriveCAN app (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html), a web form (https://arrivecan.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/) or a paper form.
IF STAYING IN AUSTRALIA
Be aware that commercial airspace closures and movement restrictions can occur without warning and could prevent your return to Canada. For more information, visit our Travel Advice and Advisories (https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories), and the Australian government COVID-19 website: Australia.gov.au
HELP FOR CANADIANS OUTSIDE CANADA
In case of emergency, call the closest Government of Canada office (https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates) serving your location.
The Consulate General of Canada in Sydney
- sydny-cs@international.gc.ca (if you are located in NSW, QLD, and NT)
- +61 (0)2 9364 3000
The High Commission of Canada in Canberra
- cnbracs@international.gc.ca (if you are located in ACT, WA, VIC, SA, TAS)
- +61 (0)2 6270 4000
If the office is closed, your call will be transferred to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa. The centre operates 24/7 and may be reached directly at +1 613 996 8885 (call collect where available) or sos@international.gc.ca.
ROCA REGISTRATION
We strongly recommend that you keep your registration up to date at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration. Please share the importance of signing up with ROCA with any other Canadians that you may know. This is the Government of Canada’s best tool to be in touch with Canadian citizens during this crisis period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please ensure that passport numbers, contact details and an address are included in your registration.
ALREADY RETURNED TO CANADA?
If you have already returned or never left Canada, please update your registration profile. You may access your profile at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration or you may send an email to roca@international.gc.ca advising us of your date of departure.
