Canadian travelers with gender-neutral passports are facing new hurdles as tensions rise over border policies between Canada and the United States. On October 1, 2025, the Canadian government issued a stark warning to citizens who have opted for the 'X' marker—denoting a non-binary gender—on their passports, cautioning that they may encounter problems entering the U.S. and other countries. The advisory, posted by the Department of Global Affairs, underscores a growing climate of uncertainty for 2SLGBTQ+ travelers as American federal systems shift toward stricter recognition of gender identity.
“While the Government of Canada issues passports with an 'X' gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries,” reads the updated advisory. “You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the 'X' gender identifier.” The warning further advises that travelers may still be asked to provide their sex or gender information as either male or female when traveling, regardless of the designation on their Canadian documents.
This move comes in the wake of a controversial executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which directs the federal government to recognize only two sexes—male and female—and mandates that all federal documents refer to 'sex' rather than 'gender.' The order, which has sparked heated debate and legal challenges, is currently before the courts, with the Trump administration seeking to overturn a district court’s block on its enforcement, according to CBC News.
The advisory is more than just a bureaucratic update; it reflects a broader shift in U.S.-Canada relations and a growing sense of caution among Canadian travelers. Since 2019, an estimated 3,600 Canadians have chosen the 'X' marker on their passports, a move hailed by advocates as a step toward inclusivity. However, recent changes have cast a shadow over these advances. In August 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency announced that Canadians applying for or renewing Nexus trusted traveler cards would no longer be able to list 'X' as their gender, signaling a retreat from earlier progress.
These developments are not occurring in a vacuum. The advisory, which was added to all destination pages on September 23 and specifically updated for the U.S. on September 29, is part of a series of increasingly cautious messages from Global Affairs Canada. In 2023, the government updated its U.S. travel advisory after several American states adopted laws targeting 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, warning Canadian travelers of legal risks related to sexual orientation or gender identity. Earlier this year, the advisory was further updated to warn of the prospect of additional scrutiny and to remind travelers to comply fully with border authorities to avoid detention.
According to USA Today, the once-steady stream of tourism between Canada and the U.S. has slowed significantly, with the number of car trips down by nearly 34% compared to 2024. While some Canadians are choosing to protest the current U.S. administration’s stance, others are simply staying away out of fear—especially after high-profile cases like that of Canadian Jasmine Mooney, who spent 12 days in ICE detention after attempting to cross the border from Mexico to San Diego in March 2025.
The latest advisory is explicit in its caution, particularly for travelers whose identity documents do not conform to the binary male/female standard. “Federal systems in the U.S. are changing to no longer accept markers of gender identity,” the advisory notes, referencing President Trump’s efforts to ban nonbinary sex markers on passports. Although a judge blocked the ban, the uncertainty remains. The Canadian government warns that “sex assigned at birth may now be requested by federal forms and processes.”
Adding to the complexity, the advisory points out that “laws also vary by state and municipality.” Travelers with minority gender identities are urged to be especially cautious when visiting states with fewer anti-discrimination protections. “Some states have enacted laws affecting 2SLGBTQI+ persons,” the advisory continues, using the more inclusive term adopted by the Canadian government. The message is clear: what may be permissible or protected in one state could be grounds for scrutiny—or worse—in another.
Practical advice is woven throughout the warning. Travelers are encouraged to consult the website of the state they plan to visit before arrival, as “laws may vary greatly from state to state.” The advisory also highlights that “authorities may request proof of legal status in the U.S. at any time,” and urges travelers to be prepared to show evidence of their legal presence. Since June 2025, the Canadian government has stressed the importance of being forthcoming and compliant in all interactions with border authorities, noting that those denied entry “could be detained while awaiting deportation.”
The U.S. Embassy in Canada, caught in the midst of a government shutdown, has declined to comment on the advisory. “Due to the current lapse in appropriations, we are not in a position to provide comment or schedule interviews at the time,” wrote Jennifer Young, spokesperson for the embassy, in an email to CBC News.
The tone of the Canadian advisory has not gone unnoticed south of the border. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has criticized its emphasis on detention as alarmist, arguing that most travelers cross the border without incident. “Not a well-founded fear,” he asserted, pointing to the millions who travel between the two countries daily without issue. Yet, for those with non-binary or minority gender identities, the risks feel more real than ever.
Underlying these travel advisories are broader tensions between the two countries. President Trump’s approach to geopolitics, including the imposition of tariffs and past references to Canada as “the 51st state,” has contributed to a chill in cross-border relations. The advisory updates, particularly those focused on 2SLGBTQ+ travelers, reflect not only legal realities but also a sense of wariness that has taken hold among many Canadians.
For now, both countries continue to assign each other the “take normal precautions” travel rating, typically reserved for the safest destinations. But as federal policies and state laws in the U.S. evolve, Canadian travelers—especially those with gender-neutral documents—are being told to stay alert, do their homework, and be ready for anything at the border. The situation remains fluid, with legal challenges ongoing and the lived experiences of travelers shaping the next round of warnings and responses.
As the legal and political landscape shifts, one thing is clear: the journey for travelers with non-binary identities is far from straightforward, and the need for vigilance has never been greater.