Ottawa Cautions Travellers: Canadians Could Be Detained if Refused U.S. Entry

Canadians planning to visit the United States are being urged by the federal government to fully cooperate with border officials, following an updated travel advisory that warns of possible detention if entry is denied.

The advisory, revised on Friday, alerts Canadians to be prepared for “increased scrutiny” when approaching U.S. border crossings. Travellers should anticipate thorough questioning and the possibility of their electronic devices being inspected.

“Cooperate and answer questions honestly during all interactions with border officers,” the advisory states. “Refusal of entry could result in detention while arrangements for deportation are made.”

This latest update comes in the wake of escalating diplomatic tensions, particularly surrounding trade disagreements. U.S. President Donald Trump’s implementation of tariffs on Canadian goods has contributed to a strained relationship between the two nations.

Since the tariffs were introduced, cross-border travel has noticeably declined. For instance, at British Columbia’s Peace Arch border crossing, vehicle numbers dropped significantly—just over 3,300 crossings were recorded on both March 17 and March 24, a steep decline from over 10,000 vehicles on the same dates in 2024.

Concerns over border issues have also led to cancellations of planned events and trips. A North American Interfaith Network conference scheduled in Nova Scotia has been postponed indefinitely, and a high school band trip from Moncton to New York City was cancelled, with officials citing political uncertainty as the reason.

Additionally, beginning April 11, the U.S. government will implement a new requirement for Canadians and other foreign nationals staying longer than 30 days. These visitors must register or risk penalties, including fines or potential misdemeanor charges. This policy primarily affects land border entrants, as most air travellers already receive an I-94 admission form.

While the change mostly targets long-term visitors like the more than one million Canadian “snowbirds” who spend extended periods in the U.S., Ottawa is advising all travellers to familiarize themselves with the regulations before heading south. Canadians should also be ready to prove their legal status at any time while in the U.S.

“Border officials may ask for documentation verifying your legal status while in the country,” the advisory notes. “Make sure you can provide this evidence if requested.”