Your Guide to the Solemn Declaration for Residents of Canada Returning from Compassionate Travel

If you’re a Canadian resident who is flying home to Canada after travelling abroad for compassionate reasons, you can now request an exemption from the three-night hotel stopover requirement from the Government of Canada. This blog post explains how you can apply for an exemption by completing the Solemn Declaration for Residents of Canada Returning from Compassionate Travel.

What are the qualification criteria to be exempt from the mandatory hotel stopover?

In order to apply for an exemption from the hotel stopover, you must live in Canada and be a:

• Canadian Citizen
• Permanent resident
• Person registered under the Indian Act
• Temporary resident, or
• Protected person

Secondly, you must have traveled outside of Canada for compassionate travel reasons, such as:

• Be present during the final moments of life for an immediate or extended family member
• Provide support to an immediate or extended family member who is critically ill
• Provide care to an immediate or extended family member who requires support for a medical reason, or
• Attend a funeral or end-of-life ceremony for a member of your immediate or extended family

How do I apply for an exemption from the mandatory hotel stopover?

Step 1: Complete the solemn declaration form for residents returning from compassionate travel by signing the form in front of a notary public or commissioner of oaths, or through NotaryPro’s remote online notary service.

Step 2: Prepare the required supporting documentation, such as proof of required care or a proof of death.

Step 3: Through the Government of Canada’s website, submit your request for an exemption online.                     

Note that you must apply for the exemption prior to your return to Canada. The government will not process applications upon your arrival in Canada.

What exactly is the Solemn Declaration for Residents Returning from Compassionate Travel form?

The Solemn Declaration for Residents Returning from Compassionate Travel is a simple document that establishes the circumstances of your travel outside of Canada and includes details about your trip back to Canada.

What is the process to complete the Solemn Declaration form?

To sign the Solemn Declaration form, you must meet with a notary public or commissioner of oaths to swear the declaration, either in-person or online. The terms “swearing the declaration” simply means that you swear that the facts set out in the declaration are true, complete and accurate. Next, you will sign the declaration in the presence of the notary or commissioner, and then the notary or commissioner countersigns the declaration.

Where can I get a copy of the Solemn Declaration for Residents Returning from Compassionate Travel?

Download the solemn declaration form on the Government of Canada website. You are required to use the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete the solemn declaration using a laptop/computer (mobile devices are not recommended). Download Adobe Acrobat for free directly from Adobe Acrobat here.

Can the Solemn Declaration Be Notarized Online?

Yes, NotaryPro can quickly digitally sign and virtually commission the Solemn Declaration for Residents of Canada Returning From Compassionate Travel through our industry-leading Remote Online Notary service.  

You can complete this e-signing even if you are not currently inside Canada at the time of the appointment.

Questions?

If you have questions about how to apply for an exemption from the mandatory hotel stopover, visit the Government of Canada’s web page, Apply for a hotel stopover exemption for residents of Canada returning from compassionate travel: Requirements.

If you have questions about online notarization and remote commissioning services, contact us at support@notarypro.dev or call us at 1-888-313-0909