Canada's US travel advisory was just updated with a warning for LGBTQ+ travellers
Listen up, travellers! Canada has updated its travel advisory for the United States, adding new language specifically warning 2SLGBTQI+ travellers of potential risks when crossing the border or staying within the country.
The latest update to the travel warning, posted on September 23, 2025, expands the "Laws and Culture" section to include detailed information for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
According to the advisory, U.S. federal systems are changing to reject gender identity markers and are reverting to using "sex assigned at birth" for official documentation. This change applies to processes including visa applications, NEXUS enrolment, passport applications, passenger manifests and Social Security forms.
Travellers who use a gender identifier of "X" on their Canadian passports — an option available in Canada — are warned that their documents may not be recognized by countries that do not accept this as a gender identifier.
The Government of Canada explicitly states that it "cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries" if you travel with a passport that includes the "X" gender marker.
Moreover, the travel advisory warns that "you may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling."
Canada's advisory for the U.S. also notes that American laws vary significantly by state and municipality. Some states have passed legislation that directly affects 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and, as a result, travellers are advised to research local laws before visiting specific areas of the country.
It's an update to an already-detailed advisory for Canadians travelling to the United States. Although the government continues to advise travellers to "take normal security precautions" — the lowest level of travel advisory — it emphasizes that U.S. border authorities enforce entry requirements rigorously and that all Canadian citizens should expect scrutiny at ports of entry.
The advisory notes that U.S. border agents have considerable discretion when deciding who may enter the country. Visitors may be asked to provide proof of ties to Canada, demonstrate the purpose and duration of their visit, and show evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay.
One of the more intrusive border control procedures highlighted in the advisory involves electronic devices. It notes that U.S. border agents are legally entitled to search travellers' phones, computers, or tablets without needing to provide a reason to do so. They may request passwords and, if denied, have the authority to seize the device. For non-U.S. citizens, refusal to comply could result in delayed travel or denial of entry.
To reduce risk, Canadians are also advised to put devices in airplane mode before crossing the border, which can help prevent automatic downloads of remote files during searches.
The Government of Canada reminds citizens that it cannot intervene on their behalf if they are denied entry or detained by U.S. authorities.
Travellers are encouraged to be cooperative, transparent, and fully prepared when approaching the U.S. border, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to discriminatory treatment based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Canada's complete travel advisory for the United States is available online and is updated regularly. More travel advice for 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians can be found here.
If you or someone you know is struggling with harassment or discrimination related to gender identity or sexual orientation, please reach out to a trusted peer, parent or health care professional or refer to these resources available across Canada. If you need immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital. Support is available.
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