Fake ArrivCAN

[sofietucker]

Hey folks-- we're on a New England/Canada cruise in a couple of weeks and someone in our roll call just posted that there's a fraudulent version of the immigration form. If they ask for your credit card, it's FAKE. There is no charge.  They deleted it but got charged anyway and had to freeze their card. Please share widely.

[Cbtours]

Just now, sofietucker said:

Hey folks-- we're on a New England/Canada cruise in a couple of weeks and someone in our roll call just posted that there's a fraudulent version of the immigration form. If they ask for your credit card, it's FAKE. There is no charge.  They deleted it but got charged anyway and had to freeze their card. Please share widely.

Wow. Thanks for info

[Ferry_Watcher]

Just make sure you use the Canadian Gov't site.  No charge.

[david,Mississauga]

An acquaintance in the Buffalo area found himself being asked to pay Apple for an app. Fortunately he did not. I gave him the URL and toll-free phone number for ArriveCan and assured him it was free.

[RickDu]

Just got off an Alaska cruise in Vancouver, where we spent the night. No one asked to see our ArrivCan info. All they were concerned with was the declaration form. No passport check as done on previous arrivals in Vancouver either. Can't say everyone will experience the same, but since the ship staff reminded us nearly everyday to get it done it seemed odd that border security never asked for it.

[martincath]

2 hours ago, RickDu said:

Just got off an Alaska cruise in Vancouver, where we spent the night. No one asked to see our ArrivCan info. All they were concerned with was the declaration form. No passport check as done on previous arrivals in Vancouver either. Can't say everyone will experience the same, but since the ship staff reminded us nearly everyday to get it done it seemed odd that border security never asked for it.

Your ArriveCAN info was sent directly from the ship, at least 24hrs before entering Canadian waters, with the passenger manifest. You were all checked out by CBSA entirely behind the scenes for your fitness to enter Canada (immigration), however since Customs is entirely dependent on what you brought into Canada the declaration for that needs reviewed at this time.

 

Had you been flying in to YVR or YYZ, even the Customs stage has been linked to ArriveCAN though - you can predeclare your carried goods while you are completing your Trip entry on ArriveCAN.  This pilot program seems to be going well, so it should roll out to all other airports fairly soon (and after that, land and sea arrivals). Most likely by this time next year you won't need to speak to anyone in uniform at all unless you get unlucky (there's always a random sample for personal interview) or are naughty (declaring more than allowed duty free, illegal goods etc. on the customs front, flagged for unfitness to enter Canada based on criminal record etc. on the immigration side of things).

[Ferry_Watcher]

Had two ladies at Pier 91 this week that paid $65 each for on line help to do ArriveCan - total scam, and not necessary.  Canadian gov't ArriveCan site is free and easy to navigate. 

Folks arriving at Pier 91 will often argue that the website won't let them complete it because they are not 72 hours from arriving in Canada.  They are then told its 72 hours from getting on the cruise ship in Seattle and they still argue that we are incorrect.  There was one lady (on Carnival) arriving fairly late in the day who initially just refused to do it.  After sitting outside the terminal building for a while, a staff member finally convinced her to accept some help (as Carnival will not allow passengers to enter the building until ArriveCan is complete and we see that QR code).  She and her friend finally got it done and they headed into the building for their cruise.  Crazy stuff!