Travelling to the US this fall? What to know about Canada's intense US travel advisory
Although the number of Canadians travelling to the United States has dropped for the seventh consecutive month, many are still planning late-summer and fall trips across the Canada–U.S. border.
Whether you're heading stateside to shop, visit family and friends, or take a vacation, it's important to be aware of Canada's current travel advisory for the U.S. — and it's surprisingly intense.
While the official risk level remains unchanged — listed as "Take normal security precautions" — the language of the travel advice is clear: Canadians should be prepared for heightened scrutiny at U.S. border crossings, including the possibility of being detained or having their electronic devices searched.
The advisory was updated earlier this year in response to changes to U.S. entry requirements, reflecting the new hurdles Canadian travellers may face at the border.
Regardless of whether you're flying, driving or cruising into the U.S., it's essential to be prepared to avoid any surprises, especially since the Government of Canada warns it cannot get involved if you're not permitted to enter the country.
The advisory makes it clear: "Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders and the Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements for the United States."
Entry is entirely at the discretion of U.S. authorities, and the advisory notes that individual border agents hold "significant discretion" in determining whether each traveller is allowed to proceed.
The warning states that Canadians should "expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices," and advises that travellers must comply fully and be forthcoming during all interactions with border officials.
It notes that if a Canadian is denied entry, they "could be detained while awaiting deportation." It's a serious warning that applies to all Canadian travellers, regardless of the reason for their visit.
Documentation requirements are also detailed within the advisory. For air travel, Canadian citizens must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. This rule applies to all ages, including children.
For land or water crossings, adults aged 16 and older must carry a valid passport, a Trusted Traveller Program card, an enhanced driver's licence or identification card from a participating province, or a Secure Certificate of Indian Status. Children aged 15 and under may present a passport, a birth certificate, or a Canadian citizenship certificate.
Following a change to entry requirements in April, Canadians visiting the States for longer than 30 days must now be registered with the U.S. government. Failure to comply with this requirement "could result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution."
Once at the border, travellers may be asked to provide the U.S. address where they will be staying. American border officers may also request "evidence of residential, employment or educational ties to Canada," proof that the trip has a "legitimate purpose," and confirmation that the length of stay is reasonable.
Canadian travellers must also be able to demonstrate that they have "sufficient funds" to cover their visit.
A significant focus of the advisory is the inspection of electronic devices. According to the Government of Canada, "U.S. border agents are entitled to search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States." Notably, they do not need to give a reason to request access, and refusal could result in your device being seized, your entry being delayed, or even denied altogether.
To mitigate risks, Canadians are advised to "put your device in airplane mode to ensure remote files don't get downloaded accidentally" before reaching the border.
The advisory also notes that "most ports of entry to the United States use facial recognition technology" and that "digital fingerprints are required for some travellers." These biometric procedures are part of routine identity verification and should be expected during border screening.
Ultimately, the advice is clear: take the time to prepare before travelling to the United States this fall. Stay informed, follow all entry requirements closely, and be ready for possible questioning and inspection, particularly at the border.
The Government of Canada stresses that while information provided is based on U.S. sources, it is subject to change at any time, and Canadians are responsible for staying up to date.
Canada's full travel advisory for the United States can be found here.
It seems that the U.S.'s increasingly strict border protocols — combined with ongoing Canada–U.S. tensions over tariffs and inflammatory remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump — are having an impact.
According to Statistics Canada, the number of Canadian residents who returned from the U.S. by car fell by 36.9% in July 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Air travel also saw a notable decline, with Canadian residents returning by commercial airlines dropping 25.8% over the same period.
Safe travels, Canada!
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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