Canada Issues Urgent Travel Advisory for U.S. Visitors: What You Must Know Before You Go!

In a significant update, the Government of Canada has revised its travel advisory concerning visits to the United States. This new guidance is specifically directed at Canadians and foreign nationals planning to stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days. It is now essential to register your trip with the U.S. government to avoid potential penalties.

As of March 21, 2025, Global Affairs Canada warned that neglecting this registration could lead to fines and even misdemeanor charges. Travelers are urged to check the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to determine if they need to register and to understand the necessary steps to ensure compliance.

To ease the process, visitors can verify their registration status through the I-94 admission form available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.

This advisory update is vital for those traveling in light of increasing reports of detentions at U.S. borders. Just recently, in a highly publicized incident, a Canadian named Jasmine Mooney was detained for two weeks after attempting to cross from Mexico, cited for lacking proper documentation. She faced adverse conditions, including congested holding facilities with insufficient amenities, underscoring the risks associated with non-compliance.

Internationally, countries such as Germany, Finland, Denmark, and the UK have also revised their U.S. travel advisories, highlighting that holding a valid visa does not automatically guarantee entry.

Adding urgency to this situation, a new U.S. Alien Registration Requirement is set to take effect on April 11, specifically affecting non-citizens intending to stay for a month or longer. As outlined in an executive order by President Donald Trump on January 20, failure to register could trigger civil and criminal enforcement actions.

What Do Canadians Need to Know Before Traveling?

According to the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), all visitors aged 14 and older must register and be fingerprinted for extended stays. For families with children under 14, parents must ensure registration for their minors as well. To initiate the registration process, travelers must create an account on the USCIS website.

Importantly, there is no need for registration for trips shorter than 30 days, though travelers are still advised to keep abreast of any updates in travel advisories. Global Affairs Canada strongly encourages travelers to register their trips online, which allows the government to reach them in emergencies and provide vital updates relating to their destination.

For real-time updates and helpful travel advice, travelers can follow Global Affairs Canada on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

Don’t let the uncertainty of travel regulations ruin your adventure! Stay informed, register, and enjoy your time in the U.S. with peace of mind.