Whether it's new visa fees, registration requirements or reminders about what powers border agents hold, the official U.S. travel advice from the Government of Canada now comes with plenty to think about before you pack your bags.
To make things simpler for your next adventure, we've rounded up all the details you need to know before heading across the border. From safety and security notes to the newest visa rules, here's a timeline of the most important U.S. travel changes for Canadians so far this year.
February 18: Visa application instructions change
Earlier this year, U.S. authorities quietly updated some of the instructions for filling out visa applications. According to Canada's U.S. travel advisory, if you do need a visa — for example, if you're a Canadian permanent resident or travelling for certain work or family reasons — you'll need to follow the new guidance carefully to avoid delays or rejections.
The update, issued by the U.S. Department of State on February 18, placed new restrictions on eligibility for interview waivers and the renewal window for certain visas. These changes impacted who can apply by mail and under what circumstances, with a greater emphasis on in-person interviews for non-immigrant visas.
March 4: New border surtax takes effect
As of early March, Canadians bringing certain U.S. goods back across the border now face a 25% surtax, part of Canada's response to U.S. tariffs. According to the Canada Border Services Agency, the extra fee applies to some products in your car, suitcase or even in a package shipped to you.
Travellers still get duty-free exemptions based on trip length, but anything over those limits that's on the surtax list will come with the extra charge.
April 4: Ominous warnings about enhanced scrutiny
In an early April update to Canada's U.S. travel advisory, the feds added an ominous warning that U.S. border agents are strictly enforcing entry rules.
Canadians were told to "expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices" — with no reason required for a password request. Refusal could mean having your device seized or being denied entry, with the advisory adding that "you could be detained while awaiting deportation."
The update also reminded travellers to carry proof of legal status in the U.S. at all times.
April 11: New 30-day registration rule begins
On March 21, the Government of Canada updated its U.S. travel advisory to flag a big change: Canadians staying more than 30 days would have to register with the U.S. government.
The rule, which took effect April 11, means snowbirds, long-term visitors and extended-stay travellers have to check their I-94 admission record with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to confirm they're registered. Failure to do so could result in fines, penalties or even misdemeanour charges.
May 2025: Canada-US travel keeps declining
Statistics Canada data shows that trips from Canada to the U.S. have been sliding all year, with May marking the steepest drop yet. In May 2025, Canadians returned from 2.3 million U.S. trips — down 31.9% compared to the same month in 2024.
It's the fifth straight month of year-over-year declines, following increasingly larger drops of 2.3% in January, 17.7% in February, 24.0% in March and 29.1% in April.
These latest Canada-U.S. travel trends might have something to do with the fact that...
May 2025: Most Canadians feel unsafe in the U.S.
A Leger survey published on May 6 revealed that 52% of Canadians believe it's no longer safe for all Canadians to travel to the U.S., and 54% said they no longer feel welcome. The numbers were even higher in B.C. and Atlantic Canada.
The findings came amid ongoing political tensions, including comments from U.S. President Donald Trump about Canada becoming the 51st state.
June 9: Trump limits entry for certain nationals
An early-June proclamation from U.S. President Donald Trump introduced new restrictions on visa access for citizens of certain countries, citing national security and public safety concerns.
While Canadian citizens aren't affected, Canadian permanent residents from the listed countries may face new barriers to obtaining a U.S. visa. The impacted countries of origin are: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
June 11: 'Safety & security' update
On June 11, Canada added a "safety and security" update to its U.S. travel advisory, linked to the large demonstrations in Los Angeles and other American cities.
Travellers were warned to avoid protest areas, follow local curfews and stay aware of changing conditions. The unrest was tied to intensified U.S. immigration enforcement, with arrests reported in workplaces, schools and public spaces.
While that specific advisory notice has since been removed, the current U.S. travel advisory still warns that demonstrations can occur and may turn violent without warning.
July 4: $340 visa 'integrity fee' becomes law
On July 4, the U.S. government passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes a new cost for certain non-immigrant visas. Under the new legislation, some Canadians — including permanent residents and those entering for specific work or family reasons — will have to pay a US$250 (about CA$340) "visa integrity fee" on top of existing charges.
The fee may be refunded if strict departure rules are met, and most Canadian citizens travelling for short visits will not need to pay it. It's reportedly set to kick in on October 1, 2025.
July 31: Latest safety reminders & entry rules
The current U.S. travel advisory, which was last updated on July 31, keeps the overall U.S. risk level at "Take normal security precautions," but maintains key warnings and reminders:
- Crime: Gun violence is a concern in parts of the U.S., with the advisory noting that "the rate of firearm possession in the U.S. is high." While it says tourists are rarely targeted, "there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time." Canadians staying in vacation homes have also been victims of break-ins, so lock up securely when you're away.
- Demonstrations: The advisory warns that protests can occur anywhere and may turn violent without warning, even if they start out peacefully. They can also disrupt traffic and public transportation.
- Registration: Canadians staying more than 30 days must now register with the U.S. government, or risk fines and other penalties.
- Visas: Most Canadians don't need a visa for short visits, but if you do — such as for work, study or certain family reasons — there are new rules for applying.
- Restricted nationals: Canadian permanent residents from certain countries may be barred from entering under a U.S. proclamation that limits entry for specific nationalities.
- Border discretion: The advisory warns that individual U.S. border agents have "significant discretion" in deciding who gets in, and they strictly enforce entry requirements. It cautions Canadians to "expect scrutiny at ports of entry" and to "comply and be forthcoming" when interacting with officials. "If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation."
- Device searches: According to the advisory, U.S. border agents can search phones, computers or tablets without giving a reason, and they can ask for passwords. "If you refuse, they may seize your device," it adds. "Before crossing the border, put your device in airplane mode."
- Expedited removal: Giving false information to a border officer is a serious offence and can carry major consequences, the advisory warns. Customs officers can even bar you from entering the U.S. for up to five years if they believe you've lied to them, and there is no formal appeals process.
With so many changes over the past few months, the rules for U.S. travel from Canada can feel like a moving target. Checking the latest advisory before you go — and knowing what to expect at the border — can save you from surprises that could derail your trip.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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