Canadians planning to travel to the United States are being urged to brace for heightened scrutiny at border crossings and to fully cooperate with U.S. border officials or risk detention and deportation.
In an updated travel advisory issued Friday, the Government of Canada cautioned travelers to expect thorough questioning and potential searches of electronic devices at land entry points. The advisory encourages Canadians to be “compliant and forthcoming” during all interactions with U.S. border agents, noting that failure to do so may result in being detained.
“If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation,” the statement warns.
The advisory arrives amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and Washington, intensified by a wave of trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The political friction has had a chilling effect on cross-border travel, particularly from British Columbia.
According to recent border crossing data, the number of vehicles passing through the Peace Arch crossing near Surrey, B.C., has dropped significantly. On March 17 and March 24 of this year, only about 3,300 vehicles were recorded, a sharp decline from over 10,100 crossings on the same days in 2024.
This drop in traffic reflects a broader hesitation among Canadian travelers. Several planned trips have already been cancelled due to the shifting political climate. A Moncton high school band cancelled a scheduled performance trip to New York City, and the North American Interfaith Network postponed a major gathering in Nova Scotia, citing uncertainty around border access for U.S. participants.
Adding to travelers’ concerns is a new U.S. entry requirement set to take effect on April 11. Under the rule, Canadians and other foreign nationals who plan to remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days—particularly those entering by land—must register with authorities or face penalties, including fines or potential misdemeanor charges. While air travelers already receive an I-94 admission form upon arrival, this new policy targets land crossings and will particularly impact the more than one million Canadian “snowbirds” who winter in the U.S.
The Canadian government is also reminding travelers to carry documentation that confirms their legal status at all times while in the United States.
“Authorities may request proof of legal status in the U.S. at any time,” the advisory states. “Be prepared to show evidence of your legal presence.”