Canadian travelers holding passports with the gender-neutral “X” marker are facing new uncertainty at the U.S. border, following a series of advisories and policy shifts in both countries. Over the past week, the Canadian government has issued, then quietly revised, warnings to its citizens about the potential difficulties they may encounter when entering the United States—a move that has drawn attention to the broader tensions over gender identity recognition and border security.
According to CBC News, on October 1, 2025, Canada’s Department of Global Affairs added a stark advisory to its United States travel guidance: "While the Government of Canada issues passports with an 'X' gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries." The notice went on to caution that travelers "might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the 'X' gender identifier," and that Canadians "may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling."
This warning came on the heels of sweeping policy changes south of the border. Months earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to recognize only two sexes—male and female—on all official documents. The order also stipulated that all U.S. federal documents must refer to "sex" rather than "gender," effectively barring recognition of nonbinary and gender-diverse identities on passports and other paperwork. Though a court injunction has so far blocked the State Department from enforcing the policy, the Trump administration is actively seeking to overturn this legal barrier.
For Canadians who have chosen the “X” gender marker—a right available since 2019—the stakes are more than symbolic. As NDTV reported, between 2019 and 2024, roughly 3,400 Canadians were issued passports with the ‘X’ designation, and by January 2025, that number had grown to about 3,600. Now, these travelers face the prospect of additional scrutiny, and in some cases, outright denial of entry at U.S. ports.
The updated advisory is not limited to passport issues. As CTV News detailed on October 2, 2025, the Canadian government’s new guidance warns that U.S. federal systems are systematically moving away from recognizing gender identity markers. Instead, individuals are often required to provide their sex assigned at birth on official forms—impacting everything from visa and NEXUS applications to passenger manifests, passport services, and even Social Security documentation. The advisory specifically notes: "U.S. officers may conduct thorough inspections at borders, including scrutiny of electronic devices, and that denial of entry could lead to detention pending deportation."
Canadian authorities have also highlighted the patchwork nature of U.S. laws affecting the 2SLGBTQI+ community. As FOX News explained, “laws governing gender identity and related rights continue to vary widely across states and municipalities, with some jurisdictions enacting legislation that directly impacts 2SLGBTQI+ communities.” The acronym itself—2SLGBTQI+—is meant to be inclusive, representing Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and other diverse gender identities, with the “+” acknowledging additional identities beyond those listed.
Travelers are being urged to review relevant state and local regulations before they travel. The Canadian advisory is blunt: "Individual border agents often have significant discretion in making those determinations," and "U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements. Expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices. Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation." The message is clear: even with a valid Canadian passport, entry is not guaranteed.
These warnings come amid broader political tensions. In April 2025, the Canadian Association of University Teachers took the unusual step of warning its members—especially transgender academics or those critical of the Trump administration—against non-essential travel to the U.S. The association cited the "political landscape" created by the Trump White House and "reports of some Canadians encountering difficulties crossing the border." Their advice was particularly targeted at academics "whose research could be seen as being at odds with the position of the current U.S. administration."
Meanwhile, the U.S. was experiencing its first federal government shutdown in nearly seven years, further complicating matters. As FOX News noted, the shutdown meant that the U.S. Embassy in Canada was unable to comment on the situation, leaving travelers with even fewer resources for clarification or assistance.
It’s not just travelers with “X” markers who are affected. In August 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency announced that Canadians applying for or renewing NEXUS trusted traveler cards could no longer select “X” as their gender. This change was directly linked to the U.S. executive order, which led to the removal of the option from application forms.
The Canadian government’s approach to these challenges has been fluid. On September 29, 2025, Canada issued a heightened advisory specifically addressing 2SLGBTQI+ travelers, warning that "sex assigned at birth may now be requested by federal forms and processes" and advising travelers to "check relevant state and local laws." The advisory also reminded travelers that border systems "used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the 'X' gender identifier," and that they "may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling."
However, by October 1, 2025, the Canadian government quietly revised the advisory, removing the specific warnings about 2SLGBTQI+ persons and state laws but maintaining general information about passports and entry procedures. According to NDTV, the revision was marked as an "editorial change" in the government’s update log. The updated guidance still emphasized that border agents hold significant discretionary power and that Canada "cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements for the United States."
The timing of these advisories is no coincidence. The United States is currently embroiled in legal battles over transgender and nonbinary rights, with President Trump’s administration seeking Supreme Court support for policies preventing Americans from receiving passports that reflect their gender identities if they fall outside the male-female binary.
For now, the message to Canadian travelers is one of caution and preparedness. Whether the advisory is heightened or softened, the fact remains: those with gender-neutral documents, or those whose identities do not conform to the binary, may face unpredictable—and potentially serious—challenges at the U.S. border. As policies continue to shift and legal battles play out, travelers will need to stay informed and vigilant, checking the latest guidance before crossing into the United States.
In a world where a single letter on a passport can dictate the ease—or impossibility—of travel, these advisories serve as a stark reminder of the intersection between policy, identity, and the lived realities of crossing borders.
