Crossing the border a number of Different days --ArriveCAN

Here is my update:
First you have to navigate the ArriveCan app. Good luck! It took 4 times, but eventually I got the acceptance. Finding a way to get a covid pcr test and get the results within the 72 hour window before entry is a challenge. A local urgent care boasting rapid results was completely useless for me. I used CVS drugs in Detroit, who accepted medicare. They said results would arrive in "2 to 5 days", which did not fit my needs. However the results actually arrived at about 30 hours. Good.

Arrived at the Ambassador Bridge entry in Windsor. Showed passport, and the guy pulled up all my stuff from the app immediately. "Did you get a test?" "Yes" (he didnt ask to see it.)
Immediately went to the "weapons snd booze" questions, commiserated about the silly ArriveCan app. and wished me well.

Total time at the gate about 2.5 minutes.

The fussy part is before you get there. Get your test early as possible. Once approved, it is not a problem entering Canada.

We are going to try to run the border gauntlet this coming Sunday. Ambassador Bridge into Windsor.
I have covid pcr testing appointments in Detroit at the 72 hour point. Looks like it is covered by Medicare. Fortunately we have a plan B, to turn back and spend a few more days in Detroit if they hassle me too much.

I'll report back here next week!

I just drove the AlCan from Alaska to WA and back. I can easily make it down within the 72 hours so I was hoping to go down, pick up my trailer and go north again within the 72 hours. Unfortunately for a lot of reasons I ran into all of the fires around Conconully and Lake Chelan.

Yes, you need tests that are no older than 72 hours each time you cross so you may need two or three tests.

I wouldn't run back and forth. The testing places can't guarantee when you will get the results back. It depends on the volume of their tests to work thru, the day of the week and time of day you take the test. The best thing to do is be at the testing place before they open, take the test, and then hope you get them within 4 - 5 hours. Some places will text you when the results are ready and others won't - check with them and be sure.

Remember - each time you cross, you will be dealing with a different Canadian Customs agent and they all do things differently and be assured the second agent will not do it the same as the first agent. Have copies of your shot and testing records for each crossing. Often, but not always, they will want to keep a copy of them SO HAVE EXTRAS.

If you're crossing the border every day or several times in a short time span, I'd plan in your time to be inspected / searched. They could suspect you're hauling things you shouldn't be, back and forth. And it could be US Customs will inspect you.

I'd say you're going to spend half of your time dealing with shot and customs issues. I'd go north and stay there, don't cross back and forth.

The ArriveCan app was a waste of time. You have to put everything in on your cell phone, you can't do it on a laptop or desktop. I downloaded the app, fought with the first app for a couple of hours, got most of the info in and then a message came up and told me to download the new app.

I downloaded the new app and it was no better, but I got through it. I hit the finish / enter button and a message came back telling the app was full, with no alternatives. I hopped in the truck and headed south.

I got to the border, where it was taking about 30 minutes per vehicle, and the agent asked if I had used the app. I told her yes, but it didn't work. Luckily I had saved the last page of the app stating it was full. She didn't like it, but asked another 100 questions and had me come inside to fill out some forms.

On the way north a couple of days later, with a new covid test, I wasn't asked about the app at all. One of the problems with the app is it was developed for people arriving by plane - it wants to know your exact time of arrival and at what airport. Do you think anyone driving can tell them the exact time - what if you sit in the customs line for a couple of hours. And driving you could enter thru a dozen different check points. Hopefully they're done with that app, but who knows, it's up to the particular agent you get.

Go north and stay there until you're done.

Bill

You need to complete the AriveCAN input each time you cross into Canada. The COVID test has to be a PCR test approved for travel. If you cross a couple times within the 72 hour window of a negative test you should be fine otherwise you will need a test each time.

Here in the northeast approved PCR test with typically cost $150-$200 per person so it can be an expensive venture. There are likely cheaper tests available that meet approval but with no guarantee of the 72 hour timing.

We live on typically both sides of the border with our permanent address being in Canada, so this whole thing is a bit of a nightmare.

We just got home from our two month trip to Alaska. We took the ferry up to Haines and crossed into Canada on the 15th. We had to get a negative covid test in Haines and completely fill out the ArriveCan app. You know when you are done when it gets you a confirmation number. After crossing you will have to complete another virtual covid test in Canada on day one. We planned on stopping in both Skagway and Hyder to see the bears on our way home. I contacted Canada border crossing and found out we had to have a negative covid test within 72 hours of each border crossing plus the virtual test one in Canada. Too much tests for us so drove straight home to Montana. Catching the Jasper and Banff national parks