Canada Issues New Travel Alert For US As Travelers Face Electronic Device Searches And New Visa Declarations

As of June 3, 2025, Canada has updated its travel advisory for Canadians traveling to the United States, highlighting new security measures and entry requirements at US border crossings. The advisory comes in response to increased border scrutiny, including more thorough inspections of electronic devices and new rules for longer stays. This update is crucial for Canadians to understand, as it ensures travelers are well-prepared to navigate potential delays and complications, helping them avoid unnecessary issues during their journey.

Canada’s Updated Travel Advisory: What Canadians Should Know Before Crossing the US Border

As of June 3, 2025, Canada’s travel advisory to the United States has been updated, offering crucial guidance for Canadians planning to visit their southern neighbor. The new advisory comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that travelers are fully prepared for the changes in border policies and procedures, particularly regarding security measures and entry requirements. With enhanced scrutiny at US border crossings, understanding what to expect can help mitigate potential delays and complications during your trip.

Enhanced Screening at US Border Crossings

Canadians heading to the US should brace for heightened screening, especially when it comes to their electronic devices. US border authorities have been granted increased powers to inspect personal electronics, including phones, tablets, and laptops. This means that border officials have the right to search these devices for any content that may raise concerns.

What makes this more significant is that US customs officers are not obligated to explain why they request access to your electronic devices. If you are asked to provide the password to unlock your device and refuse, the officer has the authority to seize your device, and you could face extended delays at the border. In some cases, this could even result in denial of entry into the United States.

How to Prepare for Border Security

To minimize the risk of issues at the border, Canadian travelers are advised to take proactive steps. One important recommendation is to switch all devices to airplane mode before approaching US border security. This precaution helps ensure that no external signals are detected or accessed during the screening process, thus reducing the likelihood of complications.

Moreover, being ready to present specific travel details can help smooth the process. US border officials may ask for a range of documents, including the address of your stay, proof of employment or school enrollment in Canada, and evidence supporting the purpose and duration of your visit. Providing this information quickly and accurately can help demonstrate the legitimacy of your trip and alleviate concerns that might arise during the screening.

Alien Registration Rule for Longer Stays

Another important detail to keep in mind is the US Alien Registration Rule, which applies to Canadians planning to stay in the United States for longer than 30 days. If your stay will exceed this duration, you are required to register online with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you travel. This online registration is a vital step for ensuring compliance with US immigration policies.

However, it is essential to note that this rule only applies to visits that last more than 30 days. For shorter trips, there is no need for registration, simplifying the process for those visiting for tourism, business, or other temporary purposes.

What to Do If You’re Denied Entry

It’s also important for travelers to understand that Canadian officials cannot intervene if you are denied entry into the United States. The final decision regarding entry rests solely with US customs and immigration authorities. Therefore, transparency and preparation are key when crossing the border. Keeping your documentation in order and being able to clearly explain the purpose of your visit will make the process smoother and increase the likelihood of a successful entry.

Understanding the Risk of Seizure and Delay

The updated travel advisory also underscores the potential consequences of failing to comply with border security procedures. In addition to the risk of device seizure, travelers may experience significant delays if they are not fully prepared for screening. US officials have the right to conduct thorough searches, and if you are unable to provide requested information or access to your electronic devices, this could result in a lengthy process or even a denial of entry. Being organized, cooperative, and having all necessary documentation readily available will minimize the risk of such outcomes.

Excellent — thank you for sharing that full expansion. Based on this comprehensive input, here is the updated compact summary with bullet points for all the affected states, now totaling 22 U.S. states. It includes clear context about how Canada’s June 2025 travel advisory is expected to further damage already-declining inbound tourism across these destinations.

Canada’s New Travel Warning Set to Deepen Tourism Losses Across States

The Canadian government’s newly updated travel advisory—warning citizens of heightened U.S. border scrutiny, electronic device inspections, and new stay registration rules—is poised to accelerate an already sharp decline in Canadian tourism to the United States. The warning comes as many American states have already reported significant drops in Canadian visitors during the first half of 2025, driven by rising travel costs, visa complications, and growing political tensions.

States already experiencing major declines include:

• Arizona – Canadian bookings have collapsed by more than 70%, with new extended-stay registration rules sparking backlash. Major snowbird hubs like Phoenix and Tucson are seeing sharp drops in seasonal income and property sales.
• Texas – Cities like Houston and El Paso report falling international arrivals from Canada and Mexico. Border enforcement and political rhetoric are fueling tourism hesitancy.
• Florida – Canadian arrivals are down 20–60% depending on region, with Fort Myers and Palm Beach among the hardest hit. Condo vacancies and reduced long-stay visitors are shaking the state’s winter economy.
• California – Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and San Diego have seen up to a 30% drop in international visitors, with airlines cutting routes and fewer bookings from Canada, Europe, and Asia.
• Nevada – Las Vegas saw a 7.8% drop in March and a 5.1% decline in April visitors. Rising prices and fewer Canadian gamblers are straining local businesses.
• New York – Officials expect 2.5 million fewer international arrivals, translating to a $4 billion tourism revenue loss. Border towns like Niagara Falls are also feeling the impact.
• Michigan – Canadian weekend travel has slowed in border towns like Sault Ste. Marie, where businesses report shorter stays and weaker spending.
• Minnesota – In Cook County, Canadian attendance at popular events like Le Grand Du Nord is down, and northern crossings are seeing significantly reduced traffic.
• Washington – Cities like Blaine and Bellingham report steep drops in Canadian shopping traffic, ferry passengers, and fuel station activity.
• Alaska – Canadian bookings for cruise tours and outdoor expeditions have fallen, hurting adventure operators ahead of peak season.
• Maine – Destinations like Bar Harbor and Camden are reporting reduced Canadian foot traffic, with local seasonal businesses off to a slow start.
• Montana – Cross-border RV and wilderness travel is down 25% in areas surrounding Glacier National Park.
• Colorado – Ski towns and national parks that once welcomed strong Canadian numbers are now seeing declines due to airfare costs and exchange rates.
• Oregon – Canadian tourist activity has dropped across Portland and the state’s coast, particularly during peak spring months.
• New Hampshire – Border towns and ski destinations like North Conway are reporting fewer Canadian shoppers and vacationers.
• Illinois – Chicago’s museums and shopping districts are seeing lighter Canadian foot traffic and reduced spending in 2025.
• Massachusetts – Boston and Cape Cod have reported slower bookings from eastern Canada and a general downturn in inbound travel from Montréal and Toronto.
• Vermont – A longtime favorite for Québec travelers, Vermont is now seeing a sharp decline in overnight stays and day trips.
• North Dakota – Border crossings used by Canadian shoppers and tourists have seen lower traffic since January.
• Idaho – The state’s Panhandle region, a popular summer retreat for western Canadians, is recording lower hotel bookings.
• Indiana – With Canadian travel to sports events and outlet malls slowing, cities like Indianapolis are experiencing a quiet season.
• Ohio – Border-region events and festivals have seen lighter Canadian attendance, with local economies bracing for slower summers.

With April 2025 land crossings from Canada down 35% and air arrivals down nearly 20%, the Canadian government’s updated travel advisory is now expected to further fuel the already diminishing tourism sector from Canada. For tourism-dependent American states, this goes far beyond a seasonal slump — it signals a growing reputational crisis. Unless diplomatic relations stabilize and border experiences improve, Canadian travelers are likely to keep shifting toward Europe, Mexico, and destinations within their own provinces, bypassing the U.S. altogether.

Importance of Staying Informed

Canadians planning to travel to the US should stay informed about any changes to border policies and procedures. The Government of Canada has provided these updates to ensure that travelers are well-prepared and understand the risks involved. While most visits to the US proceed without issue, being aware of these procedures can help avoid unnecessary stress and complications.

The advisory also reminds Canadians that they should refer to the official government website for the most up-to-date information on travel requirements. By staying informed, travelers can avoid surprises and ensure that their trip goes as smoothly as possible.

Final Thoughts

Crossing the US border requires careful preparation, especially with the recent updates to security and immigration procedures. Canadians are urged to take extra precautions, particularly when it comes to electronic devices, and to be transparent about their travel plans. By following the travel advisory’s advice, ensuring that all necessary documents are readily available, and complying with all border requirements, Canadians can help ensure a hassle-free entry into the United States.

As of June 3, 2025, Canada has updated its travel advisory to the United States, informing Canadians about recent changes in border security and entry requirements. This update is essential to help travelers prepare for heightened scrutiny at US border crossings and avoid delays during their trip.

For those looking for more details, it is highly recommended to visit the official Canadian government website at travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-states to stay up to date on the latest travel advisories and entry requirements.