Timeline – CBSA Border Measures

Date: April 23, 2021

Classification: Unclassified

Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes

Branch/Agency: SPB/CBSA

Date	Measure
January 22, 2020	Enhanced screening border measures at 3 major airports – travellers from Wuhan: Locations: Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto international airports Measures include: messaging on arrival screens; asking an additional health screening question to travellers either on an electronic kiosk or by a CBSA officer directly if they have travelled to Wuhan China; and asking travellers to inform a Border Services Officer if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
January 31	Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR) imposed on Hubei province, China
January 31	Introduction of new screening form and screening aid for all persons detained and admitted to a detention facility
February 1	Expansion of enhanced screening to other airports Locations: Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Billy Bishop, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Halifax airports
February 6	Detention Reviews by IRB by telephone or videoconference For detainees who respond in the affirmative to specific screening questions.
February 8	New information brochure: Issued by BSOs, with specific instructions for travellers who have been in the Province of Hubei
February 9	Enhanced screening at all airports: Locations: All international airports in Canada
February 14	Occupational health and safety advice from Health Canada: provided to Border Services Officers (BSOs)
February 17	Contact tracing for travellers who have been in Hubei (PHAC) All travellers who indicate they have been in the province of Hubei are required to fill out a PHAC contact form to allow health authorities to monitor and track those who have been in the impacted region The form captures basic biographical data, flight data, and contact information for the passenger while in Canada. Once completed, PHAC determines when and how to share this information with provincial authorities
February 19	Surgical mask kits begin being issued by BSOs to all travellers who reported that they have been in the Province of Hubei
March 4	Expansion of screening – travellers from Iran: Locations: All international airports in Canada to include Iran
March 6	Enhanced health screening in land, rail and marine mode: added to border processing for travellers seeking entry into Canada by car, rail or ferry
March 12	Expansion of screening - travellers from Italy Locations: All international airports in Canada to include Italy
March 12	Introduction of new procedures requiring all detainees who are being transported and detained must wear a mask
March 14	Enhanced signage implemented: at all ports of entry
March 15	Quarantine Officers deployed on-site at Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR) and Montreal (YUL) international airports. Quarantine Officers available to conduct health assessments through the 24/7 Central Notification System (CNS) Line for all other locations where Quarantine Officers were not on-site.
March 16	Public visits to IHCs suspended
March 16	New procedures in place at Immigration Holding Centres (IHCs) Visits from the public are suspended. Exceptions include counsel, designated representatives, and interpreters. Non-contact visits used where available; and, if necessary, contact visits exercise safe distancing practices. Mandatory requirement for personal protective equipment for both detainees, staff and contracted staff. Social distancing measures introduced in all CBSA IHCs
March 16	Request for all inbound travellers to self-isolate (PHAC) International flights are redirected to only four international airports: Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver
March 16	Waiving of duties and taxes on temporarily imported goods for emergency use in response to COVID-19 (Finance Canada)
March 16	Contact tracing for all symptomatic travellers (PHAC) All travellers who display symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as a cough, fever, or difficult breathing, are required to complete a PHAC contact tracing form.
March 16	Customs Notice 20-08 Provides information on the use of the Goods for Emergency Use Remission Order, (C.R.C., c. 768), and application of Tariff Item No. 9993.00.00 of the Customs Tariff in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Updated on April 7, 2020 to include importations on behalf of public or private care residences, such as seniors’ residences, retirement homes, nursing homes and shelters.
March 17	President correspondence to the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization To encourage WCO Member States to maintain coordinated action and avoid unduly disrupting international trade supply chains.
March 17	CBSA and US CPB agrees to strike a Task Force to advance the Canada-US Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) To facilitate efficient trade and the cross-border movement of essential goods, workers and services in North America.
March 17	Removals Postponed: All inland removals (excluding cases where removal order is issued at Port of Entry) will be postponed until April 21, 2020. Does not apply for national security, organized crime, crimes against humanity and criminal cases and for those individuals who are willing to leave the country voluntarily (a statutory declaration must be signed by these individuals). These excepted removals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by CBSA senior management prior to their occurrence.
Mid-March	Temporary Targets in effect for counterfeit medical supplies in the commercial stream In collaboration with US CBP, CBSA has created targets to aid commercial BSOs in identifying possible counterfeit shipments of medical supplies for examination.
March 18	Air Travel Ban on Foreign Nationals put in place: Foreign Nationals are restricted from entering Canada if they arrive by aircraft coming from a foreign country. Subject to specific exemptions, which included: Foreign Nationals, including United States (U.S.) citizens, who have been in the U.S. and Canada for more than 14 days; Close family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents; French residents of St. Pierre and Miquelon (SPM) arriving directly from SPM; Urgent Protection Plan resettled refugees; Accredited diplomats and their family members; Airline and maritime crews; Foreign nationals travelling at the invitation of the Canadian Government for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response or whose entry would be in the national interest; Members of the Canadian military, visiting forces, and their family members; and; Transiting passengers travelling to / from the U.S., and international-to-international transit.
March 18	CBSA engagement with stakeholders and industry The CBSA, via its Border Commercial Consultative Committee (BCCC), reached out to its members (customs brokers, representatives of modal conveyances rail, marine, highway, air, courier) with a forum to communicate their issues and share information on what the CBSA is doing in relation to the COVID-19 situation. The CBSA remains in communication with its stakeholders (Marine Terminal operators, Canadian Trucking Alliance, Customs Brokers, etc.) offering support for resolution of issues, including those related to COVID-19.
March 18	Quarantine Officers deployed on-site at Calgary (YYC) international airport Quarantine Officers available to conduct health assessments through the 24/7 Central Notification System (CNS) Line for all other locations where Quarantine Officers were not on-site.
March 19	Grace period for late accounting penalties Provide for a 45 business days grace period for late accounting penalties. Clients will not have to submit an application to have late accounting penalties waived. This applies to transactions released from March 11, 2020, to May 14, 2020, inclusively.
March 19	Customs Notice 20-09 CBSA issued a Customs Notice indicating that effective immediately, the period of 90 days for submitting corrections, following a CBSA trade compliance verification where errors were found, would be automatically extended by 30 days.
March 21	Travel restrictions in effect (as agreed until April 21, 2020): prohibit any foreign national, including U.S. nationals, from entering Canada in all modes of travel (air, land, rail and marine) for optional or discretionary purposes, with the exception of: A person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act; A person who, in the opinion of Chief Public Health Officer, does not pose a risk of significant harm to public health; A protected person who has previously received refugee protection in Canada as defined in section 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; or A person, travelling by aircraft, if the scheduled arrival in Canada is before 11:59AM EDT on March 21, 2020. all Foreign Nationals entering Canada for essential business or studies must also have only been in either the U.S. or Canada for the period of 14 days prior to their arrival in Canada. all Foreign Nationals are prohibited from entering if they display the following symptoms: a fever and cough, or a fever and breathing difficulties.
March 22	Travel restrictions in effect (as signed until June 30, 2020): for any foreign national entering Canada by air and marine mode from any country other than the U.S. with the exception of: Foreign National, including US citizens, who have been in the US and Canada for more than 14 days (as per the order governing travel from the US to Canada); Immediate family member of Canadian citizens and permanent residents; Person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act; Person who is authorized, in writing, by a consular officer of the Government of Canada to enter Canada for the purpose of reuniting immediate family members; Airline or marine crew member; Accredited diplomat and immediate family members, including representative from the United Nations and international organizations for which Canada is part of; Foreign national travelling at the invitation of the Canadian government for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response; Person who arrives by means of an aircraft operated by the Canadian Forces or the Department of National Defence; Member of the Canadian military, visiting forces, and their family members; Protected Person presenting a Convention Refugee travel document; A French citizen who resides in St. Pierre and Miquelon (SPM) who has only been in SPM, the US or Canada during the period of 14 days before the day on which they board; Person or any person in class of persons who, in the opinion of Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer does not pose a risk of significant harm to the public health, or will provide essential service while in Canada; and Transiting passengers through Canada to another country. Transiting passengers will be subject to any travel bans and restrictions the third country has in place.
March 25	Mandatory isolation for all inbound travellers (PHAC) Individuals entering Canada, by air, sea or land, whether or not they have signs and symptoms of COVID 19, are ordered to self-isolate for 14 days, with the exception of: Persons making necessary medical deliveries of cells, blood and blood products, tissues, organs, or other similar lifesaving human body parts, that are required for patient care in Canada; Asymptomatic persons in the trade and transportation sector who are important for the movement of goods and people, including truck drivers and crew on any plane, train or marine vessel, and that cross the border while performing their duties or for the purpose of performing their duties; Asymptomatic persons who have to cross the border regularly to go to work, including in the health care sector or critical infrastructure workers for the purpose of performing their duties; and Asymptomatic persons who have to cross the border to provide or receive essential services, including emergency responders and personnel providing essential services to Canadians related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
March 25	Additional contact tracing of some asymptomatic travellers (PHAC) The CBSA expands contact tracing to include a random sample of 200 asymptomatic travellers. Contact information continues to be collected for all symptomatic travellers.
March 26	OIC 9 entered into force (also known as OIC 0185) This OIC prohibits foreign nationals from seeking entry to Canada at any location to make a claim for refugee protection
March 27	Prime Minister’s announcement to extend the timeframe for the payment of customs duties, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) The timeframe for all payments due to the Agency is extended to June 30, 2020. This also includes charges on the statement of account for March due on April 1, 2020. To ease cash-flow challenges that businesses are facing across the country $8.7B in estimated revenue deferral for the three month period.
By March 27	In-person reporting for detainees released on Alternatives to Detention eliminated All ATD detainees to use phone reporting Effective date varies across regions beginning March 17
March 29	Temporary Lookouts in effect for non-compliance with self-isolation requirements Lookouts will not be issued on all asymptomatic travellers, but on those the CBSA believes may not have respected the requirement to self-isolated and have signaled an unwillingness to comply. Lookouts will be issued for symptomatic travellers who are issued a quarantine order under the Quarantine Act comply with those orders. Lookout information will be maintained for a period of 14 days and will be shared with U.S. CBP where required. PHAC will be notified every time CBSA encounters an individual that it believes has failed to comply with the order to self-isolate.
March 30	CBSA suspends all trade compliance interactions with trade chain partners until April 20 The suspension provides industry an additional 30 days to submit corrections to the CBSA following a trade compliance verification. All deadlines imposed in connection with a verification are automatically extended by a period of time equivalent to the period of suspension.
March 31	Expansion of contact tracing to all travellers arriving in land and air mode who are required to self-isolate (PHAC) Effective March 31, 12:01 am, the CBSA captures basic biographical data and contact information for the traveller while in Canada. Once completed, it is provided to PHAC. PHAC determines when and how to share this information with provincial authorities and/or law enforcement.
March 31	Tariff classification and other information to import medical supplies (WCO) Listing of medical supplies for COVID-19 based on Harmonized System (HS) codes provided by the World Customs Organization identified by tariff classification under Canada’s Customs Tariff. Customs Notice 20-12 COVID-19 issued to inform the commercial importing community of tariff classification and release information, including eligibility for duty free or remission of duties and taxes.
April 2	Domestic PHAC exemption for Mohawks of Akwesasne First Nation Effective April 2, domestic travellers from the Mohawks of Akwesasne First Nation transiting the Cornwall Port of Entry (Ontario) are exempt from the requirement to provide biographic information to the Public Health Agency of Canada
April 2	Carriers to Sign up For Electronic Notices All carriers are encouraged to sign up to receive electronic notices.
April 6	Centralized Traveller History Requests pursuant to Quarantine Act Warrant Response Centre implemented a centralized response for law enforcement to request 14 day traveller histories in relation to travellers suspected of non-compliance with the Quarantine Act. Association of Canadian Chiefs of Police was provided with the new direction for making requests to the WRC for dissemination to police services.
April 7	Relief of imported goods for emergency use In collaboration with Finance Canada, the CBSA provided relief of duty and tax for goods required for an emergency and are imported by or on behalf of federal, provincial or municipal entities involved such as centres for health care as well as by or on behalf of members of first response organizations such as police, fire and local civil defense groups, including medical response teams.
April 9	Sharing of COVID-19 Lookouts with RCMP Information related to lookouts shared with RCMP on a daily basis. RCMP has agreed to provide this information to local or provincial police of jurisdiction.
April 14	Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) Decommissioning Delay The CAED decommissioning date has been extended from June 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020, however, exporters and customs service providers are encouraged to activate their Canadian Export Reporting System (CERS) accounts as soon a possible.
April 15	Temporary Reduction of Select Land Ports of Entry (POEs) CBSA temporarily reduces the hours of service at 27 low-traffic POEs: 3 in British Columbia; 2 in Alberta; 8 in Saskatchewan; 6 in Manitoba; and 8 in Quebec. Opening of one seasonal POE in Alberta will be delayed. Hours of service match with US CPB POE reductions.
April 15	OIC 10 – Enhanced Border Measures in support of mandatory Quarantine and Isolation Travellers are required to make the following declaration: “I acknowledge that I/we must quarantine (if no symptoms) or isolate (if symptomatic) for 14 days to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.” Technicians entering Canada to maintain or repair equipment necessary to support critical infrastructure have been exempted from mandatory quarantine by the Chief Public Health Officer. Every person entering Canada is required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering. After making the declaration, the CBSA officer will ensure the traveller is wearing an appropriate mask or face covering in line with guidance provided by PHAC. Should a traveller not have an appropriate face covering or mask, the BSO will provide one to them. If required, the BSO will ask a traveller to remove their face covering for the purpose of identity verification. In such cases, the BSO is to ensure the traveller is at a 2m distance of the BSO when not wearing a face covering or mask.
April 16	Medical Supplies Customs Notice 20-12 (March 31) was updated to cover a greater range of medical equipment and supplies such as oxygen concentrators and sample collection sets. A list of medical supplies for COVID‑19 based on HS codes provided by the World Customs Organization has been identified by tariff classification under Canada’s Customs Tariff. A correction was also made for the tariff classification of plastic face shields. This change is revenue neutral as the original classification and the new classification are both duty free.
April 17	Suspension of all trade compliance interactions with trade chain partners extended until further notice.
April 20	Travel restrictions extended for 30 days Restrictions put in place on March 21 to April 21 have been extended for 30 days (until May 21) These restrictions prohibit any foreign national, including U.S. nationals, from entering Canada in all modes of travel (air, land, rail and marine), subject to certain exceptions (see March 21 entry)
April 20	Amendments to the Immigration Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) Amendments have been made to the IRPR that impose obligations on the employers of temporary foreign workers to ensure that employees have the ability to comply with the quarantine measures that are imposed when they enter Canada; Further IRPR amendments provide the authority to delegated officials to issue a removal order for non-compliance with a new condition that requires compliance with any order issued under the Quarantine Act or Emergencies Act; Additional amendments have been made to introduce a set of factors to assess the suitability of any person who wishes to post a guarantee on behalf of a foreign worker, that they will comply with conditions imposed on them upon entry.
April 21	Removals Postponed (extension) All inland removals (excluding cases where removal order is issued at Port of Entry) will continue be postponed until May 21, 2020. Does not apply for national security, organized crime, crimes against humanity and criminal cases and for those individuals who are willing to leave the country voluntarily (a statutory declaration must be signed by these individuals). These excepted removals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by CBSA senior management prior to their occurrence.
April 21	CBSA issues direction to travellers driving across land borders into Canada to wear a non-medical mask or face covering
April 22	Extension of restriction on non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. Border Restrictions have been extended to May 21, 2020 Temporary direct backs continue in air and marine mode. Extended measures put in place for direct backs for claimants arriving between ports of entry, as well as the application of the Safe Third Country Agreement at land POEs. Additional exemptions for refugee claims made at POE include those pursuant to Minister Discretion based on national or public interest, including persons charged with the death penalty. POEs will complete processing once asylum seekers have completed 14-day self-isolation or quarantine periods. If the individual was symptomatic, they will not be released from self-isolation until verified by a PHAC quarantine officer as safe to release IRCC and/or PHAC are responsible for transporting and housing of asylum seekers post-processing.
April 22	Soft Launch of ArriveCAN mobile application ArriveCAN is a mobile application that enables all incoming travellers to Canada (by air or land) to submit mandatory contact tracing information quickly, easily and securely. Information is collected under the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) contact tracing form (Covid-19 Form) (e.g., tombstone data, such as flight, traveller, and isolation address details, etc.). ArriveCAN serves as an encouraged alternative to the current COVID-19 paper contact tracing form used at Ports of Entry (POEs) and is available on the Google Play and Apple Stores. CBSA, on behalf of PHAC, is responsible for developing the application, collecting, storing the data and reporting data to PHAC. PHAC is responsible for overall project delivery and implementation. The application was promoted at Vancouver International Airport and the Douglas Land POE (BC)
April 23	Safety Measures for Commercial Stakeholders CBSA commercial offices open to the public are employing systems to promote physical distancing for our commercial clients, including driver queuing areas and waiting rooms, the use of signage and/or the use of tape or any other marking material on floors to identify the PHAC recommended 2 metre distance. Officers have been briefed on preventing the spread of COVID-19, and plexiglass protective barriers in higher-risk CBSA facilities are beginning to be installed. Information For Carriers/Drivers Additional information for Carriers and Drivers is provided with respect to border measures and commercial conveyances.
April 29	National Launch of ArriveCan Application
May 5	Regulatory Amendments Regarding the Imposition of Mandatory Conditions on Foreign Nationals Authorized to Enter Canada in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) were made to: impose mandatory conditions related to ensure compliance with orders or regulations made under the Emergencies Act or the Quarantine Act; and provide Ministerial authority to issue removal orders for specific non-compliance related to the failure to comply with such requirements
May 8	Waiving tariffs on certain medical goods The Government of Canada announced that it is waiving tariffs on certain medical goods, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves. CBSA updated Customs Notice 20-19 accordingly
May 11	System Changes to validate PPE Importations The CBSA has made system changes to ensure that importations of PPE can be validated electronically, thereby ensuring that supplies meet import requirements and are not unnecessarily delayed.
May 12	Temporary Suspension of Service at Select Air and Marine Ports of Entry (until further notice) CBSA temporarily suspended service at: 126 small airports 342 small vessel reporting sites 8 ferry locations (after ferry companies halted service) 2 seasonal land ports of entry (deferred opening)
May 12 (11:59 PM ET)	Temporary suspension of the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program The RABC, which is only available in parts of northwestern Ontario and southeastern Manitoba, has been temporarily suspended. Permit holders cannot use their RABC permit to enter Canada until current Canadian travel restrictions are lifted.
May 15	Termination of the Automatic Waiver of Late Accounting Penalties The CBSA announced it will no longer automatically waive late accounting penalties, effective May 26, 2020. As per standard practice, an importer may, however, request a review of a late accounting penalty
May 21	Removals Postponed (extension) All inland removals (excluding cases where removal order is issued at Port of Entry) will continue be postponed until June 21, 2020. Does not apply for national security, organized crime, crimes against humanity and criminal cases and for those individuals who are willing to leave the country voluntarily (a statutory declaration must be signed by these individuals). These excepted removals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by CBSA senior management prior to their occurrence.
May 22	Extension of restriction on non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. Border Restrictions have been extended to June 21, 2020 Temporary direct backs continue in air and marine mode. Extended measures continue for direct backs for claimants arriving between ports of entry, as well as the application of the Safe Third Country Agreement at land POEs.
May 29	Updated measures for cruise ships and passenger vessels in Canadian waters Cruise ships with overnight accommodations allowed to carry more than 100 persons are prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until October 31, 2020.
June 3	New measures for the use of face coverings in the Canadian Transportation sector The use of face coverings by workers and others involved in the transportation system will be expanded to reduce the risk of COVID-19. This approach complements recent regulations and guidelines for passengers to use face coverings in certain circumstances when travelling by air, marine and rail.
June 8	OIC 13 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until June 30, 2020. Updated to include exceptions for: diplomats and their immediate family; international-to-international transit; exemptions for people on conveyances which pass through Canadian waters and air space and do not land in Canada and, discretionary entry by immediate family members of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Immediate family members can enter pursuant to the new exemption if: (1) they are asymptomatic (2) they are entering Canada to be with their immediate family member; and (3) they can demonstrate the intent to stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days.
June 8	OIC 14 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until June 21, 2020. Updated to include exceptions for: discretionary entry by foreign nationals who are immediate family members of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Immediate family members can enter pursuant to the new exemption if: (1) they are asymptomatic (2) they are entering Canada to be with their immediate family member; and (3) they can demonstrate the intent to stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days. Additional exemption for people on conveyances which pass through Canadian waters and air space and do not land in Canada.
June 19	OIC 15 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 2. In effect until June 30, 2020. Updates include the addition of a new non-application exception for persons whose presence in Canada is determined to be in the national interest. This determination can be made by any of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Citizenship and Immigration, or Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. This new provision may be used to provide professional athletes and staff of professional sports leagues with an exemption from the 14-day quarantine requirement, provided they abide by conditions imposed by the Minister granting the exemption. Sports leagues and professional athletes will be issued National Interest Exemption letters with conditions developed in consultation with the Minister of Health Also includes technical amendments to correct double negative error in paragraph 4(1)(c) and in subparagraph 10(1)(b)(iii) of the English version of OIC 10.
June 19	OIC 16 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until July 21, 2020. No additional amendments; OIC 14 is simply extended until the new expiry date of the Order.
June 29	OIC 17 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until July 31, 2020. Technical amendments were made to the language in paragraphs 3(j) and (k) to reflect that decisions have been made “as determined by”, rather than “in the opinion of”, public officials. Removal of a moot clause pertaining to international marine vessels that have left port before March 21, 2020 resulting in the alphabetical changes to certain clauses in subsection 3(1).
June 29	OIC 18 - Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 3 In effect until August 31, 2020. Requires every individual who enters Canada, and is required to quarantine or isolate, to wear a mask or face covering upon entry to Canada and while in transit to a place of quarantine or isolation, a health care facility, or a place of departure from Canada, unless they are alone in a private vehicle. Individuals who are exempt from the quarantine requirement are now required to wear a mask or face covering while they are in public settings if physical distancing cannot be maintained. Provides for one asymptomatic person to accompany a minor or a person requiring assistance if they must temporarily leave quarantine in a medical emergency or for essential medical appointments. Additional changes to provide clarity that every person entering Canada is required to answer any questions asked by a screening officer, quarantine officer, or public health official for the duration of the 14-day period beginning on the day they enter Canada.
July 1	End of the Deferral Period for the Payment of Duties and Taxes In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CBSA published the Customs Notice 20-11 on March 27, 2020, Extension of Timeframes for Payment of Customs Duties and GST (COVID-19), notifying importers that the payment deadline for all statements of account for amounts owing during the months of March, April and May 2020 would be extended to June 30, 2020. On June 29, 2020, the Minister of Finance issued a news release indicating that, with a broad range of economic measures and support programs now in place, the GST/HST and customs duty payment deferral is ending as planned on June 30, 2020. As such, all statements of account became payable.
July 3	Additional temporary service reductions at select Canadian ports of entry Temporary reduction of service hours at additional land, air, and marine POEs in addition to deferring seasonal opening hours at select POEs. These COVID-19 related measures are temporary and in effect as of July 3, 2020 at 11:59 pm EDT. They will remain in effect until further notice. The CBSA will proceed with the following temporary measures: reducing the hours of operation at 12 land POEs; reducing the hours of operation at eight air POEs; deferring the seasonal opening of one marine POE; and deferring the shift to seasonal hours of operation at one land POE.
July 7	Resumption of Trade Compliance Work The CBSA is resuming a full range of trade compliance work and adapting its practices to reflect the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. The CBSA is prioritizing actions where importers have indicated there is a willingness to advance their audit or verification, on compliance verifications or other interventions involving higher dollar amounts, files close to completion, and other important files.
July 8	Customs Notice 20-24 - CBSA Reporting Patterns IT Limitations This notice provides information on how to transmit high volumes of cargo reports. It is for the attention of carriers, freight forwarders, importers, brokers and service providers. To decrease the impacts caused by a high number of Advance Commercial Information (ACI) supplemental or electronic house bills per primary cargo, industry has been provided a list of recommendations.
July 14	Soft Launch of ArriveCAN Version 2.0 (Phase II) This version includes features for travellers to complete a 48-hour check-in upon arrival into Canada, and submit voluntary symptom tracking throughout the 14-day quarantine period. While exempt travellers are not required to quarantine upon entry, they must now provide their contact information at the border, and are encouraged to use the application. Border Services Officers can now see a traveller’s response which would trigger a referral.
July 20	National Launch of ArriveCAN Version 2.0 (Phase II)
July 20	OIC 19 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until August 21, 2020. No additional amendments; OIC 16 is simply extended until the new expiry date of the Order.
July 23	Customs Notice 20-26 The CBSA has been notified by Transport Canada, Registrar of Imported Vehicles that certain fees are being increased as of August 1, 2020. Customs Notice 20-26 advises importers that vehicles required to be registered with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) using From 1 or Form 3 will be subject to increases.
July 23	Additional temporary service reductions at select Canadian ports of entry In order to align with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s decision to reduce hours of service, the CBSA has temporarily reduced the hours of operations at 2 additional land POEs and further reduced the hours of service at one previously-announced land POE. These COVID-19 related measures are temporary and in effect as of July 23, 2020 at 11:59 pm EDT. They will remain in effect until further notice.
July 30	OIC 20 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until August 31, 2020. Includes a minor technical amendment to add “class of persons” to the national interest exemption to align with other previous Orders.
July 30	Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR) lifted on Hubei province, China
August 20	OIC 21 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until September 21, 2020 No additional amendments; OIC 19 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order.
August 22	Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) Essential Service Designation – Exemption from Mandatory Isolation Requirements - (para 6(e) of s.58 Order made pursuant to the Quarantine Act Exempts Canadian officers (including CBSA officers) who escort individuals travelling to Canada or from Canada pursuant to a legal process from mandatory isolation requirements. CPHO Essential Service Designation – Exemption from Prohibition on Entry Requirements from any country other than the US - (para 3(1)(j)(ii) of s.58 Order made pursuant to the Quarantine Act Exempts foreign officers who escort individuals travelling to Canada or from Canada pursuant to a legal process from the prohibition on entry.
August 30	OIC 22 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country Other than the United States) In effect until September 30, 2020. No additional amendments; OIC 20 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order.
August 30	OIC 23 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 4 In effect until September 30, 2020. No additional amendments; OIC 18 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order.
September 2	Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, No. 7 Temperature screening at the four major airports for all outbound flights by CATSA. Locations include: Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto. Temperature screening includes airport staff (i.e. CBSA staff).
September 9	Removals Postponed (extension) All inland removals (excluding cases where removal order is issued at port of entry) continue to be postponed. This does not apply for serious inadmissibility cases (e.g., national security, organized crime, crimes against humanity and criminal cases) and for those individuals who are willing to leave the country voluntarily (a statutory declaration must be signed by these individuals). These excepted removals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by CBSA senior management prior to their occurrence. Escorted removals of serious inadmissibility cases re-commenced on August 4, 2020 (also on a case-by-case basis).
September 20	OIC 24 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until October 21, 2020. No additional amendments; OIC 21 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order
September 28	OIC 25 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until October 31, 2020. No additional amendments; OIC 22 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order.
September 28	OIC 26 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 5 In effect until October 31, 2020. No additional amendments; OIC 23 is simply extended until the new expiry date of this order.
October 7	OIC 27 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until October 21, 2020. Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry by asymptomatic foreign nationals who are *extended family members* of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have (1) a statutory declaration attesting to their relationship signed by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and (2) have a written authorization from IRCC to enter Canada. The discretionary purpose test will not apply to foreign nationals who can also demonstrate the intent to (3) be with their extended family member and (4) stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days. Extended family member, in respect of a person, means: (a) an individual in an exclusive dating relationship with the person for more than a year and that has spent time in the physical presence of the person during the relationship; (b) a dependent child of the individual referred to in paragraph (a); (c) a child of the person or the person’s spouse, common-law partner or the or the individual referred to in paragraph (a) other than a dependent child; (d) the dependent child of a child referred to in paragraph (c); (e) a sibling, half-sibling or step sibling of the person or the person’s spouse or common-law partner; or (f) a grandparent of the person or the person’s spouse or common-law partner. Updated to include a prohibition on entry for *international students* who seek to enter Canada after October 20, 2020 unless they are attending a *listed institution. They must also hold a valid study permit, or be eligible to apply for a study permit when entering Canada, or have written notice of the approval of their study permit application. Listed institutions* are determined by provincial governments to have appropriate measures in place to ensure students can meet mandatory quarantine and isolation obligations as per any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act. The list of institutions will be published and maintained by IRCC on their website. Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry for travel on *compassionate grounds* in relation to a foreign national, who the Minister of Health has determined intends to enter Canada to: Attend to the death or provide support to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada and who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to be critically ill; Provide care for a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to have a medical reason as to why they require support; Attend a funeral or end of life ceremony. Foreign nationals seeking entry for compassionate reasons must obtain a travel authorization letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
October 7	OIC 28 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until October 31, 2020. Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry by asymptomatic foreign nationals who are *extended family members* of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have (1) a statutory declaration attesting to their relationship signed by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and (2) have a written authorization from IRCC to enter Canada. The discretionary purpose test will not apply to foreign nationals who can also demonstrate the intent to (3) be with their extended family member and (4) stay in Canada for a period of at least 15 days. Extended family member, in respect of a person, means: (a) an individual in an exclusive dating relationship with the person for more than a year and that has spent time in the physical presence of the person during the relationship; (b) a dependent child of the individual referred to in paragraph (a); (c) a child of the person or the person’s spouse, common-law partner or the or the individual referred to in paragraph (a) other than a dependent child; (d) the dependent child of a child referred to in paragraph (c); (e) a sibling, half-sibling or step sibling of the person or the person’s spouse or common-law partner; or (f) a grandparent of the person or the person’s spouse or common-law partner. Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry for *international students, and their immediate family members* (other than a dependent child of a dependent child), who seek to enter Canada after October 20, 2020 for the purpose of attending a *listed institution* and hold a valid study permit, are eligible to apply for a study permit when entering Canada, or have written notice of the approval of their study permit application. Listed institutions are determined by provincial governments to have appropriate measures in place to ensure students can meet mandatory quarantine and isolation obligations as per any order made under section 58 of the Quarantine Act. The list of institutions will be published and maintained by IRCC on their website. Persons with a study permit or who have received written notice of approval before noon March 18, 2020, but have not been issued a permit, will not be authorized entry after October 20, 2020. Updated to include an exemption from the prohibition on entry for travel on *compassionate grounds* in relation to a foreign national, who the Minister of Health has determined intends to enter Canada to: attend to the death or provide support to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada and who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to be critically ill; provide care for a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to have a medical reason as to why they require support; attend a funeral or end of life ceremony. Foreign nationals seeking entry for compassionate reasons must obtain a travel authorization letter from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
October 7	OIC 29 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 6 In effect until October 31, 2020. Updated to include an exemption from the requirement to remain in quarantine where the Minister of Health has determined the person intends to enter Canada on *compassionate grounds* and where the CPHO determines that temporary release from quarantine is required to: Attend to the death or provide support to a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, Temporary Resident, Protected Person or Registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada, who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to be critically ill; Provide care to a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, protected person or registered Indian (under the Indian Act) residing in Canada, who is deemed by a licensed health care professional to have a medical reason as to why they require support; or Attend a funeral or end of life ceremony. Updated to include an amendment to the accompanying person exception in subsection 7(1.1) and 12(1.1) where “minor” is replaced by “dependent child”.
October 20	OIC 30 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until November 21, 2020. No additional amendments; OIC 27 is simply rolled over until the new expiry date of this order.
October 30	OIC 31 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until November 21, 2020. Updated subsections 3(2) and 3(3) to add persons registered as Indians under the Indian Act to the provisions exempting immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents from the discretionary purpose test when foreign nationals seeking entry intend to be with their immediate or extended family member and intend to stay more than 15 days. Updated to include a redrafted compassionate entry provision [section 5.3] specifying additional requirements that must be satisfied for an application for entry and limited release from quarantine (if required) to be approved by PHAC. [No operational impact for the CBSA.]
October 30	OIC 32 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until November 30, 2020. Updated paragraphs 3(1)(a) and 3(1)(a.1) to add persons registered as Indians under the Indian Act to the list of classes of persons exempt from the prohibition on entry, namely immediate and extended family members respectively. Updated subsection 3(4) by merging the previous immediate and extended family member provisions into one and adding registered Indians to the exemption from the discretionary purpose test when foreign nationals seeking entry intend to be with their immediate or extended family member and intend to stay more than 15 days. Updated to include a new subsection 3(2.1) to mirror subsection 4(1) of the US OIC prohibiting foreign nationals from entering Canada if, based on the purpose of entry and length of their stay, they cannot comply with the applicable requirement to quarantine. Updated to include a redrafted compassionate entry provision [section 3.2] specifying additional requirements that must be satisfied for an application for entry and limited release from quarantine (if required) to be approved by PHAC. [No operational impact for the CBSA.]
October 30	OIC 33 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 7 In effect until November 30, 2020. Updated to include multiple quarantine exemption provisions for: Cross-border students: Elementary and secondary students enrolled in a listed institution in Canada entering to attend the institution regularly, as long as the applicable jurisdiction and local health authority approved quarantine exempt students; and Their drivers, as long as they only enter to escort the student to and from the listed institution and wear a mask while outside the vehicle, if at all, only to escort the student to and from the institution. [Paragraphs 6 (p) and (q)] Students enrolled in educational institutions in the US who attend regularly, and return to their habitual place of residence in Canada; and Their drivers who return to Canada after dropping off or picking up the student in the US, as long as they wear a mask while outside the vehicle, if at all, only for the purposes of escorting the student to and from the institution.[Paragraphs 6 (r) and (s)] Cross-border custody arrangements: Dependent children entering Canada under the terms of a written agreement or court order regarding custody, access or parenting; and Their drivers, going to the US and returning to Canada, or entering Canada and returning to the US, as long as they only leave the vehicle, if at all, to escort the child to and from the vehicle while wearing a mask. [Paragraphs 6(t), (u) and (v)] Cross-border communities: Habitual residents of remote communities of Northwest Angle (Minnesota) or Hyder (Alaska) who only enter Canada to access necessities of life from the closest community where such necessities are available [paragraph 6(w)]. Habitual residents of remote communities of Campobello Island (NB) and Stewart (BC) who enter Canada after going to the US solely to access necessities of life in the closest US community where such necessities are available [paragraph 6(x)]. Land border crossing: Persons who enter Canada at a land border crossing, as long as they remained in the vehicle while outside of Canada after they were denied entry to the US or entered US territory without seeking formal entry (“flagpolers”). [Paragraph 6(y)] Updated to include an exemption from quarantine for persons participating in a project (i.e. Alberta Pilot) to gather information to inform the development of quarantine requirements other than those set out in the Order as long as they comply with the conditions imposed on them by PHAC [section 6.2]. Updated to include a redrafted compassionate entry provision [subsection 7.1(1)] specifying additional requirements that must be satisfied for PHAC to authorize a limited release from quarantine. These requirements include confirmation by PHAC that the applicable jurisdiction has not communicated its opposition to the exemption from quarantine and that the person in charge of the location where the activity is to take place does not object to the presence of the person released from quarantine. ArriveCAN: Updated to include additional requirements to submit information to PHAC: Before boarding a flight to Canada (air mode) or when entering Canada (all other modes), every person must provide a quarantine plan (including address) and/or contact information for the 14-day quarantine period by electronic means specified by PHAC, unless they cannot submit this information because of a disability, inadequate infrastructure, a service disruption or a natural disaster, in which case this information can be provided in an alternate manner. [Subsections 1.1(1) to (4)]. This obligation does not apply to persons in transit who remain in sterile transit areas [subsection 1.1(5)]. This section comes into force on November 20. Additional updates to sections 3, 4, 9 and 10 reflect new electronic reporting requirements to PHAC (after entry into Canada) also come into force on November 20. [No operational impact for the CBSA.]
November 21	OIC 34 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until December 21, 2020. This order repeals and replaces OIC 31 without additional amendments.
November 29	OIC 35 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until January 21, 2021. Amended the extended family member definition to specify that persons in exclusive dating relationships must be at least 18 years of age. Amended to exempt from the prohibition on entry, foreign nationals who are high-performance athletes or support personnel participating or engaging in International Single Sport Events (ISSE), as long as they are asymptomatic and possess an authorization letter issued by Heritage Canada (PCH). The authorization is granted and remains valid only with the support of the provincial government and local health authorities and may be revoked by PCH if this support is withdrawn or if the event is cancelled. The discretionary purpose test does not apply to foreign nationals seeking entry with a PCH authorization letter. Amended to remove expired clauses, includes updated references and minor edits to improve readability.
November 29	OIC 36 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation), No. 8 In effect until January 21, 2021. Amended to exempt from quarantine requirements under specified conditions, foreign nationals who are high-performance athletes and support personnel participating or engaging in International Single Sport Events (ISSE), as long as they are asymptomatic and possess an authorization letter issued by Heritage Canada (PCH). The PCH authorization letter may include a risk mitigation plan with specific conditions for exemption from the 14-day quarantine requirement. The provincial government and local health authorities must provide a letter of support for the risk mitigation plan. Any conditions imposed in the PCH authorization letter must be developed in consultation with the Minister of Health. Amended to remove expired clauses, includes updated references and minor edits to improve readability.
November 29	OIC 37 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until December 21, 2020. Amended the extended family member definition to specify that persons in exclusive dating relationships must be at least 18 years of age. Amended to include a general prohibition denying entry to any foreign national enrolled in a learning program, unless they hold or may hold a valid study permit (SP) and attend a listed institution in Canada (including those who would be exempt from having a SP when studying less than 6 months). Amended to exempt from the prohibition on entry, foreign nationals who are high-performance athletes and support personnel participating or engaging in International Single Sport Events (ISSE), as long as they are asymptomatic and possess an authorization letter issued by Heritage Canada (PCH). The authorization is granted and remains valid only with the support of the provincial government and local health authorities and may be revoked by PCH if this support is withdrawn or if the event is cancelled. The discretionary purpose test does not apply to foreign nationals seeking entry with a PCH authorization letter. Includes minor edits to improve readability.
December 18	OIC 38 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until January 21, 2021. This order repeals and replaces OIC 37 without additional amendments.
December 21	Inclusion of Health Screening question to identify travellers coming from a country with a higher risk of a COVID variant (Air mode only) Effective December 21, CBSA added a health screening question to identify travellers coming from the UK in air mode only at the request of PHAC Increased referrals to PHAC for enhanced screening
December 23	Added Health Screening questions to identify travellers coming from a country with a higher risk of a COVID variant (Air and Land) Effective December 23, South Africa was including in the health screening question Effective December 23, CBSA began asking the health screening questions to identify travellers coming from the UK or South Africa in land mode Increased referrals to PHAC for enhanced screening All questions and increased referrals for travellers coming from a country with a higher risk of a COVID variant were removed on February 22
January 7, 2021	OIC 39 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations) In effect until January 21, 2021. This order repeals and replaces OIC 36 (Mandatory Isolation Order No.8) and introduces the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement without modifying previous public health requirements. Requirement - 1.1(3): As of January 7, 2021, all travellers aged five (5) years or older who board an aircraft destined to Canada must have proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test (PCR or LAMP). On Boarding: Documentation demonstrating negative test results performed on a specimen collected no more than 72 hours before scheduled departure must be presented to air operators prior to boarding a plane to Canada and must include: the traveller’s name and date of birth; the name and civic address of the laboratory that administered the test; the date the test was conducted and the test method used; and the test result. Extended Time Allowance [Interim Order/Aeronautics Act]: Until January 14, 2021, travellers arriving from specified countries will be able to submit a negative test result performed on a specimen collected no more than 96 hours from the scheduled time of departure. Exemptions: Transit - 1.1(6): The pre-arrival testing requirement does not apply to travellers who plan to arrive at a Canadian airport to transit to a country other than Canada while remaining in a sterile transit area. Transitional provision - 15(1)(a): Persons on board an aircraft to Canada on January 7. No testing capacity - 15(1)(b) [Interim Order/Aeronautics Act]: Travellers arriving from countries specified by the GOC where testing is not available will not be required to provide a negative test. Countries listed (direct flights to Canada): St-Pierre and Miquelon (until January 21); Jamaica (from January 10-18), if the traveller consents before boarding to being tested immediately upon arrival at the Toronto Pearson International airport, subject to daily volume limits; Haiti (until January 14). Exemptions - 1.1(4): The following classes of persons are exempt form the requirement to provide a negative test: Crew members as defined in the CAR; Members of a crew as defined in the IRPR; Persons providing an essential service as per the CPHO; Persons authorized to work in Canada to provide emergency services under the IRPR; Emergency service providers (firefighters, peace officers, paramedics) who must work within 14 days after returning to Canada; Persons whose presence in Canada is in the National Interest as determined by the Minister of Health; Officials of Canada and foreign governments escorting individuals to and from Canada in a legal process; Officials of Canada and foreign governments who enter Canada for border, immigration and law enforcement or national security activities and who are required to provide services within the 14-day period on arrival.
January 15	Inclusion of Brazil in the Health Screening questions for the COVID variant (air and land modes) Effective January 15, CBSA included Brazil in the health screening questions in Air and Land mode to identify travellers coming from Brazil This measure included increased referrals to PHAC for enhanced screening Measure was removed on February 22 at the request of PHAC
January 21	OIC 40 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until February 21, 2021. This order repeals and replaces OIC 38 with minor administrative amendments.
January 21	OIC 41 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until February 21, 2021. This order repeals and replaces OIC 35 without additional amendments.
January 21	OIC 42 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, Isolation and Other Obligations) In effect until February 21, 2021. This order repeals and replaces OIC 39. Amended to allow travellers to board a plane if they can provide evidence of a positive COVID-19 test conducted on a specimen collected at least 14 days and no more than 90 days before an aircraft’s initial scheduled departure time, this replaces the requirement to provide a negative test. Amended to add a requirement to test travellers exempt from the pre-departure testing requirement under the Aeronautics Act on arrival in Canada because they arrive from countries deemed to have inadequate infrastructure for molecular testing.
February 14	OIC 43 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, isolation and other obligations) In effect until April 21. Provisions have staggered coming into force dates. Measures in All Modes February 14 Amended to compel travellers in quarantine or isolation to answer telephone calls, door knocks, and questions and provide information to Quarantine Officers, Screening Officers, or Peace Officers. Amended to implement stricter requirements for those who are exempted from quarantine (mask wearing in public spaces even if physical distancing can be maintained and require a close contact list to be maintained for first 14 days). Amended to require those who do not have a suitable place of quarantine to remain in a Designated Quarantine Facility (DQF) for the 14-day quarantine period. Amended to mandate a second PCR test post-entry into Canada in either a DQF or a suitable place of quarantine day 10 of the quarantine period. Amended non-medical mark requirements to align with the Transport Canada Interim Order, exempting those younger than 2 years of age and those with physical restrictions that prevent mask wearing. February 21 Amended to include mandatory digital submission (e.g. ArriveCAN) of contact information and a suitable quarantine plan to PHAC prior to boarding a flight to Canada or before arriving at a land port of entry. Amended to provide authority to extend the quarantine period beyond 14 days if no second negative test result has yet been received. Amended to increase requirements for suitable quarantine plan (cannot stay with vulnerable subpopulation or those who work with vulnerable subpopulations; must be able to separate from non-travellers in home). Air Mode Measures February 21 Amended to require submission of evidence digitally of a pre-paid reservation of a 3 night stay at a Government Authorized Accommodation (GAA). GAA’s include hotels or facilities managed by PHAC, IRCC, ESDC, AAFC, CAF, and potentially provincial-approved locations, with federal agreement. Delayed coming into force for this requirement for seasonal agricultural workers in the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program until March 14, 2021. Amended to mandate a PCR swab upon entry for all travellers. Amended to mandate stay at GAA until the first negative test result is received. Amended to exempt unaccompanied minors and dependents from GAA stay. Amended to require those receiving positive results on arrival to complete isolation period in a DQF. Land Mode Measures February 14 Amended to mandate evidence of a negative COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours pre-arrival taken within the United States (or appropriate previous positive test). Amended to provide the ability to deny entry to foreign nationals without a pre-arrival COVID-19 test. February 21 Amended to mandate PCR test on the first day of arrival and a second test in either DQF or a suitable place of quarantine on day 10 of quarantine period. New exemptions from pre and post arrival testing and requirement to go to a GAA Those with history of COVID-19 continue to be required to provide evidence of previous positive test; will continue to be exempted from pre-departure testing requirements, as well as testing on arrival and during quarantine; and will not have to stay in a GAA, but will still have to quarantine. Amended to exempt appropriate travellers from pre-departure test (e.g. residents of integrated trans-border communities: Akwesasne). Exemption from quarantine for those who regularly seek necessary, medically authorized treatment outside of Canada, with appropriate risk mitigation. Exemption from pre-departure testing and post-arrival requirements for accredited foreign nationals, diplomats, consular officials, UN representatives, and diplomatic couriers. New exemption authorities to Pre-Arrival Testing Exigent consular circumstances (Minister of Foreign Affairs) Emergency response (Minister of Transport or Minister of Public Safety) National Interest (Minister of Health), subject to conditions Essential Service (Chief Public Health Officer), subject to conditions Exemption due to exigent reasons (Quarantine Officer)
February 14	OIC 44 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until March 21 Added a provision to cross-reference with the Quarantine, Isolation, and Other Obligations Order (OIC 43) to inform foreign nationals from the US that they will be denied entry if they do not arrive with the required pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test.
February 14	OIC 45 – Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until April 21 This order repeals and replaces OIC 41 without additional amendments.
March 19	OIC 46 - Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until April 21 This order repeals and replaces OIC 44 without additional amendments
March 21	OIC 47 - Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, isolation and other obligations) In effect until April 21 This order repeals and replaces OIC 43 with technical amendments OIC has been restructured to include schedules outlining the exemptions for the various requirements (pre-arrival testing, quarantine, Government Authorized Accommodation)
March 30	Reintroduction of Questions to identify travellers coming from a country with a higher risk of a COVID variant (air and land) Effective March 30, CBSA added a question to the Health Screening in Air and Land mode to identify travellers coming from Brazil as a country with a higher risk of a COVID variant This measure included increased referrals to PHAC for enhanced screening Measure was removed on April 14 at the request of PHAC
April 21	OIC 48 - Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from the United States) In effect until May 21 This order repeals and replaces OIC 46 without additional amendments
April 21	OIC 49 - Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Prohibition of Entry into Canada from any Country other than the United States) In effect until May 21 This order repeals and replaces OIC 45 without additional amendments
April 21	OIC 50 - Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Quarantine, isolation and other obligations) In effect until May 21 This order repeals and replaces OIC 47 without additional amendments
April 22	Suspension of flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days Transport Canada issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to suspend all commercial and private passenger flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days Amendments to the Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, to require that passengers departing India or Pakistan to Canada via an indirect route, obtain a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.

Date modified:: 2021-10-13

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Timeline – CBSA Border Measures