If you found Canada's ArriveCAN app frustrating to use, you are not alone.
Numerous travellers have expressed frustration about having to submit their information to the app before they return to Canada, with several of them celebrating Canada's decision to make it optional.
But the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) says travellers can save time at the border by continuing to use the app.
Moving forward, the ArriveCAN app is no longer a tool to collect health information but a way for travellers to have a streamlined experience at the border.
CBSA spokesperson Judith Gadbois-St-Cyr told Vancouver Is Awesome that the agency is making the technology available at the border to give travellers "a more modern and faster experience" and to keep them safer.
Additionally, air passengers can submit their customs and immigration declaration in advance to save time at the airport. Travellers to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) already have access to the Advance CBSA Declaration.
Travel to Canada with the ArriveCAN app
ArriveCAN is now an optional tool for travellers who want to save time at the airport by providing their customs and immigration declaration in advance to the CBSA (up to 72 hours before they arrive in the country).
The Advance CBSA Declaration option is currently already available for those who arrive at the Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal airports and will become available at Winnipeg, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, Québec City, Billy Bishop Toronto City and Ottawa international airports in the coming months.
"Early data shows that using Advance CBSA Declaration cuts the amount of time a traveller spends at a kiosk by roughly one-third, and over 30 [per cent] of travellers arriving at the airports are already using it," explains Gadbois-St-Cyr.
The CBSA is also exploring other features, such as providing travellers with easy access to information like border wait times and hours of service at ports of entry.
For more information on how to use the Advance CBSA Declaration.
