Canadians are now facing updated travel advisories to the world's two largest economies. These advisories warn travelers who stay in the United States for more than 30 days to ensure they register with the U.S. government as necessary.
The advisory regarding the United States follows another update for travel to China, where Canadians with dual citizenship have been cautioned to present Canadian credentials when engaging with Chinese authorities. "Canadians and other foreign nationals visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days must be registered with the United States Government," states the advisory. The failure to comply with this registration requirement could lead to penalties, fines, and even misdemeanor prosecution.
According to the updated advisory, individuals can consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website to determine their registration status, and check the I-94 admission form via the U.S. Customs Border Protection website to verify if they have been automatically registered upon entry.
Many Canadians have already altered their travel plans to avoid the U.S. due to rising tensions. These tensions are exacerbated by remarks from President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs against Canada and suggested that Canada could potentially become the 51st state.
Concerns around travel to the U.S. have only intensified following the case of a Canadian woman from Vancouver. Earlier this month, she was detained for over a week by U.S. authorities after experiencing a denial of her work visa at the Mexican border near San Diego, California. This incident has raised alarms and raised questions about travel risks for Canadians.
On the other hand, Canada has also revised its travel advisory to China. This new warning comes in the wake of Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly's announcement earlier this week that China has executed four Canadian nationals in recent months. The new advisory urges Canadians to exercise "a high degree of caution" in China, specifically for those holding dual citizenship. According to the advisory, dual citizens may be denied access to Canadian consular services if they have entered China using a Chinese passport or identity card.
"Our ability to provide consular assistance in China is limited due to the level of transparency in China’s judicial system," Joly stated, underscoring the grim realities facing Canadians in the region. The advisory elaborates that nonviolent crimes such as financial offenses could attract severe punishment in China.
Moreover, travelers to China may face an exit ban if linked to people involved in any open civil or criminal investigations, including business disputes. Ottawa emphasizes that affected travelers might not realize an exit ban is imposed on them until they reach Chinese customs and immigration controls.
In response to these developments, several European countries have also revised their travel guidance. Nations such as Denmark, Germany, Finland, and the United Kingdom are cautioning their citizens to adhere strictly to U.S. immigration rules amid a crackdown under the Trump administration. The warnings particularly stem from incidents involving travelers who were detained or deported upon arrival in the United States, despite holding valid visas or ESTA authorizations.
Germany's Foreign Ministry has confirmed that it is assisting one of its nationals affected by these stringent border enforcement measures. A spokesperson from the ministry issued a cautionary statement, noting that even minor past infractions, overstays, or incorrect travel details could result in detention upon entry into the U.S.
Similarly, the British Foreign Office has issued warnings about potential arrests or deportations for travelers failing to comply with United States regulations. There are rising concerns surrounding recent changes to U.S. passport policy, notably the suspension of provisions allowing transgender, intersex, and nonbinary individuals to update their gender markers.
Reports have emerged showing that in recent weeks, both a Canadian traveler and a British artist were detained at U.S. entry points, raising further concern that valid travel documents might not protect individuals from enforcement actions.
Germany’s Foreign Office advises travelers to carry proof of their return plans and be ready for thorough questioning at U.S. borders. It also suggests that individuals encountering difficulties should seek assistance from their respective embassies or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Travelers around the world are closely monitoring these developments, recognizing that the evolving landscape of travel advisories may significantly affect their international journeys and safety. The advisories from Canada and European nations serve as prudent reminders of the complex and often precarious situations that can arise when crossing borders, particularly for dual citizens and those involved in previous legal scrutiny.
