Heading Home

I don't normally write about something as mundane as heading home but, because things have changed so much because of the pandemic, I thought it might be useful to share my experiences.  As I like to include photos when I write blogs - and there aren't any directly related to this content - I've posted some pics I took from the plane.  I don't normally have a window seat so thought I would take advantage of that.

Leaving Frankfurt Airport

Somewhere above the clouds

Approaching Calgary

Now back to the real point of this blog!

In order to enter Canada, you have to have a PCR COVID test.  Because I was flying home from Frankfurt, it was very convenient as there is a testing centre right at the Frankfurt Airport between the long distance train station and Terminal 1.  It is operated by a company called Centogene.  I had set up an account before I arrived but actually never figured out how to book and pay for a test in advance - it was something about having an authentication app and the right QR code.  I tried to figure it out but ended up just giving up.  So, I just showed up at the registration centre.  Luckily, on Sunday evening, it wasn't busy at all.  One of the staff there - and there are many of them all set up at a counter much like bank tellers - helped me re-register and get the invoice for the test.  Once that was done, I was sent to the cashier to pay for it.  Then, I took the invoice next door to where the tests are done.  There was no line up there either so I saw someone immediately.  The test they do here is one where they swab the back of your throat.  It isn't necessarily pleasant - and involves some rather unattractive gagging - but it only takes about 5 or 10 seconds to have it done.  Then, I was on my way.  My train had arrived at 5:06 pm and I was finished registering and being tested just over 1/2 hour later.  There are varying prices for the test.  The starting price is 69 Euros if you don't need the results for 24 hours.  The prices escalate the more quickly you need the results.  Because my flight was at 1:30 pm the next day, I needed the results within 12 hours so that cost an additional 20 Euros.  If you need the results immediately, it is more, something like 120 Euros but I am not sure.  Anyway, sometime in the middle of the night, I received the results of the test and then uploaded them to my Apple Wallet.  

In order to enter Canada, you now have to download an app called ArriveCan on your phone and complete the forms and questions on it.  That is in addition to the usual declaration app most people use to get a QR code to scan into the machines when you reenter Canada.  So, I was armed with my ArriveCan, my eDeclaration, and my Federal Government Proof of Vaccination, all on my iPhone.  Oh yes, and my boarding passes for my three flights.  I can't imagine how difficult travelling would be if one didn't have a smart phone of some sort!

At Frankfurt airport when I checked in, I had to show my proof of vaccination plus the results of my PCR test.  It was indicated on my boarding pass and it was checked again before I boarded my flight.  

I had heard some horror stories from people arriving in Canada and having long delays at both Vancouver and Toronto airports, to the extent that I had heard people were missing connecting flights.  So, I was a bit concerned about my connection in Calgary.  When I arrived in Calgary, at first I panicked because I couldn't seem to locate the QR code on the ArriveCan app on my iPhone.  Everyone coming off the flight was checked (by RCMP or police officers, I think) before we entered the Customs hall.  Thankfully, the officer told me I couldn't access the code because I wasn't on the Internet.  Once I connected, it appeared with no problem.  I think next time I will take a screen shot of the QR code as a back up or, hopefully, remember to get online before I get checked.  Then, it was just a matter of doing the usual e-declaration routine at the machine kiosks.  For some reason, I had a few problems with that too - I wasn't able to scan my passport or take my photo without help.  I am usually pretty good with that sort of thing but maybe it was because I was flustered by the ArriveCan part.  Anyway, I was through Customs in about 20 minutes and it would have been shorter if I hadn't had problems with the declaration technology.  Of course, it also helped that I was seated at the front of the plane so was one of the first to get off.  

So, my advice would be to get your documents, certificates, etc. in order before you return and it shouldn't be a problem.  However, that is my experience and might not represent that of others!  I am now back home safe and sound and hope to be able to travel again soon.  I've missed it so much and my experience travelling during a pandemic was very positive and I felt comfortable.  Everyone I saw was complying pretty much everywhere with the rules about wearing masks, social distancing, etc.  Let's hope we will be able to travel safely.