Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Distraction
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
I checked in with the gate agent prior to my flight to ZZZZ.  I don't recall if any passengers were boarded but there were no passengers that I remember waiting to check in because it was still pretty early.  As I walked down the jet bridge I noticed a Flight Attendant walking the opposite direction.  I had not met her prior as I had not been to the aircraft yet.  She told me she was trying to get better cellular reception so she could complete her COVID-19 form which is required for entry into ZZZZ.  When I boarded the aircraft; I met the other two FAs.  At no time did I notice any passengers boarding or on our aircraft.  After checking the aircraft maintenance log; flight documents; etc. I briefed the A FA.  I only briefed the A FA as passengers were now being boarded.  I assumed the other two flight attendants were on board.  I was completely unaware that we didn't have minimum crew while boarding.  Approximately 10-15 minutes prior to departure; the A1 FA informed me that she was informed that we had boarded without minimum crew.  I think the COVID-19 online form (for ZZZZ) was the reason that caused this problem.  I fly this trip nearly every week and it's generally always a bit of a scramble at the last minute to get the form completed by all crew members prior to departure.  In addition it is a very difficult form to electronically fill out for the first time.  I believe the FA was only trying her best to complete the form prior to boarding. Perhaps a reminder to both cockpit and cabin crew that a COVID-19 declaration form is required for entry into ZZZZ.  And that the form takes a while to complete as it NOT intuitive and can take a few attempts to complete it and requires sufficient WiFi or cellular signal.
Air Carrier pilot reported the aircraft was boarded without minimum FA crew because the FAs were late completing COVID-19 declaration form.