Key Takeaways:
- The changing political climate between Canada and the U.S. is causing some Canadian snowbirds to rethink their travel plans to the U.S.
- New border rules require Canadians staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register with the government and complete an I-94 form.
- Canadians may face additional security screening, including mandatory fingerprinting and photographs, when entering the U.S.
- It’s essential for Canadians to have a plan before crossing the border, including having a clear itinerary, proof of health insurance, and ties to their home country.
- Some Canadians are choosing to avoid traveling to the U.S. altogether due to the changing political atmosphere.
Introduction to the Changing Border Rules
The changing political climate between Canada and the U.S. has led to a shift in the way Canadians are treated when crossing the border into the United States. Alex Karpa reports on the experiences of Canadian snowbirds who are rethinking their travel plans due to the new border rules. Angela and Leigh Faubert, a Canadian couple, recently crossed the border from British Columbia into Washington state and were surprised by the new procedures they had to follow. Leigh was required to get fingerprinted, show his passport, and pay a $30 fee, while Angela was exempt due to her Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card.
New Border Rules and Regulations
On January 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing stricter requirements for foreign visitors. The order requires the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to ensure that all non-Americans staying in the country for more than 30 days register with the government. Canadians staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days must complete an I-94 form and register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services upon entry. The new measures, effective December 26, also expand security screening, including mandatory fingerprinting and photographs for visitors. These changes have caused confusion among Canadian travelers, with some reporting mixed experiences at the border.
Confusion and Mixed Experiences at the Border
Leigh and Angela Faubert were nervous about crossing the border due to stories of Canadians being turned away. Similarly, Winnipeggers Owa Schlaikjar and Yvonne Fostey, who own property in Arizona, were advised to fill out I-94 forms before crossing the border. However, when they arrived at the border, the customs officer was unclear about the paperwork, telling them it was not necessary. Owa was surprised and annoyed by the confusion, having spent time and money filling out the forms in advance. The experience has left some Canadians feeling uncertain and distressed about traveling to the U.S.
Importance of Being Prepared
Ksenia Tchern McCallum, a U.S.-Canadian attorney, emphasizes the importance of being prepared when crossing the border. She advises Canadians to have a clear plan, including a detailed itinerary, proof of health insurance, and ties to their home country. Border guards may have different questions or requirements, so it’s essential to be honest and truthful about one’s intentions. Tchern McCallum notes that additional scrutiny is to be expected, but with a solid plan in place, Canadians should not encounter significant issues when entering the U.S.
Avoiding the U.S. Altogether
The changing political atmosphere in the U.S. has led some Canadians to avoid traveling to the country altogether. Eric Fagen and his family, who have spent their winters in Florida for many years, have decided not to return this year due to the current administration’s stance on Canada. While they regret not being able to return to their usual RV park, they have made plans to travel to other destinations. Fagen hopes that one day they can return to the U.S., but for now, they are exploring alternative winter destinations. The uncertainty and confusion surrounding the new border rules have led some Canadians to reevaluate their travel plans and consider alternative options.