Canada issues new travel advice with new entry, exit rules, X gender
Canada issued new travel advice Sept. 29 for its residents heading to or living in the United States.
The advice includes updated entry and exit requirements for passports, visas, and U.S. permanent residents; and updated information on 2SLGBTQI+ persons.
The Canadian government advised travelers to review their documentation carefully to make sure they meet all U.S. requirements.
Here’s what travelers should know.
Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier and 2SLGBTQI+ persons
“While the Government of Canada issues passports with a “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries,” according to the Canadian government.
“You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
“You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
“Sex assigned at birth may now be requested by federal forms and processes. Laws also vary by state and municipality. Some states have enacted laws affecting 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws.”
Trump wants Supreme Court to get involved in passports for transgender people
President Donald Trump wants the Supreme Court to back his policy of refusing to issue passports to transgender and nonbinary Americans that reflect their gender identities.
On Trump’s first day back in office, he issued an executive order requiring the federal government to only “recognize two sexes, male and female,” declaring “these sexes are not changeable.”
US entry and exit requirements
“Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders and the Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements for the United States,” the Canadian government said.
“Individual border agents often have significant discretion in making those determinations. U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements.”
Have dual citizenship in both US, Canada? Bring both passports
Although U.S. authorities don’t formally require dual nationals to carry both a U.S. and a Canadian passport, carrying both documents as proof of citizenship may facilitate your entry into the United States and your return to Canada, the Canadian government said.
Dual citizenship in another country?
Since June 9, 2025, the U.S. limits the entry of nationals from specific countries under the proclamation “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.”
You may also be subject to enhanced screening, which could result in a denial to enter the country.
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, traveling on a Canadian passport are not affected by this proclamation.
Staying in US longer than 30 days? You’ll need to register
“Canadians and other foreign nationals visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days must be registered with the United States Government.”
Check with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ website to determine if you need to register and how to do so.
What to know about visas
Canadian visitors can usually stay in the United States for six months without a visa. You must declare your intended duration of stay upon entry into the United States.
“If you do need a visa, be aware U.S. authorities may periodically review already-issued visas. Visas can be terminated for various reasons,” including:
- Violation of admission terms
- Re-assessment of eligibility, including because of previous criminal convictions
The U.S. government shutdown that started at midnight Oct. 1 could delay some VISA services.
“Canadian permanent residents may need a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States.
“You must obtain this visa from the U.S. authorities before entering the country. You must also have a valid passport from your country of citizenship.”
The Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals proclamation “may impact your ability to obtain a visa if your country of citizenship is designated in the proclamation.”
Planning to study in the US?
Canadian citizens don’t need visas to study or participate in a student exchange program in the United States.
However, they need to be registered with SEVIS, a U.S. student tracking system
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