2 Travellers Entering Canada Were Fined $19,720 Each After Lying About Vaccine Proof

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) said it has fined two travellers entering Canada from the United States for providing false information related to proof of vaccination and non-compliance with the country's entry requirements. The fines add up to $19,720 per traveller.

The agency said the travellers — who arrived in Toronto during the week of July 18 — "[provided] false information related to proof of vaccination credentials and pre-departure tests," and also refused to comply with Canada's mandatory government-approved hotel quarantine and on-arrival testing.

Travellers who violate the quarantining instructions provided by a quarantine officer when entering Canada could rack up a $5,000 fine for each day they don't comply, or for each offence committed, according to PHAC. Breaking rules could also result in more serious penalties, like six months in prison or $750,000 in fines.

Fully vaccinated travellers who want to be to be considered for Canada's loosened quarantine and COVID-19 testing rules have to submit electronic proof of vaccination to ArriveCAN, Canada's online documentation service, prior to arriving at their destination.

Canada's eased travel measures for double-dosed travellers who are permitted to enter Canada came into effect on July 5.