Canadians traveling to the United States for longer trips are being reminded of new registration rules that will kick in next month. The Canadian government updated its travel advisory for the U.S. on March 22, 2025, notifying travelers planning to head south and stay for more than 30 days that they will be required to register with the U.S. government.
The rule was part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s "Protecting the American People Against Invasion" executive order, which was signed on January 20, 2025, and applies to anyone who is not an American citizen or permanent resident. “Canadians and other foreign nationals visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days must be registered with the United States government,” Canada’s travel advisory states. “Failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution.”
The rule, which goes into effect on April 11, 2025, will apply to Canadians, including "snowbirds" who travel south in winter months, according to immigration lawyer Rosanna Berardi. Ottawa advises travelers to refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website to check if they need to register or not.
“You can verify if you have been automatically registered on entry to the U.S. by looking up your I-94 admission form on the U.S. Customs Border Protection (CBP) website,” the travel advisory states. In the past, Canadians have been able to visit the U.S. for six months without a visa, though they were required to declare how long they intended to stay upon entry, according to the federal government.
Under the new ruling, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says that “certain groups of aliens” may not have been registered on entry. This change comes amid tensions between Canada and the U.S. over tariffs imposed on Canadian imports by the Trump administration and Trump’s repeated claims that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. Trump’s threats have prompted many Canadians to cancel or change their plans to visit the U.S., reflecting a growing "Elbows up" movement among travelers.
Canada is not the only country updating its travel advice for the U.S. Earlier this week, around March 17 to March 21, 2025, the United Kingdom and Germany also updated their advice for travelers following reports of British and German nationals being detained at the border amid an immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. With these developments, it is clear that the landscape for Canadian travelers heading south has become more complex as they navigate new regulations while facing heightened scrutiny in a politically charged environment.
The Canadian government is urging citizens to stay informed as they prepare for their trips, highlighting the importance of understanding these new requirements to avoid any potential penalties. The travel advisory aims to provide clarity in uncertain times.
As this new requirement looms, many Canadians are making the difficult choice to adjust their travel plans altogether, prioritizing their comfort and peace of mind. The shift in travel patterns reflects broader concerns about cross-border relations and the implications of U.S. immigration policies on Canadian citizens.
