Travelling to the U.S. as a Canadian: What You Should Know

Canadians have been more hesitant to travel to the United States given recent incidents. There have been reports of people being questioned at the border, which is the usual protocol, however, an increasing number of individuals are being turned away upon arrival.

Why Are Some Canadians Worried About Crossing the U.S. Border?

Some immigration lawyers have advised certain individuals to avoid travelling to the U.S. in general amidst recent events. These concerns mostly apply to people who were born in another country before becoming Canadian citizens or those with dual citizenship. Additionally, this has happened to Canadian citizens that were born in Canada as well. It is important to make sure you do not have social media accounts that demonstrate your political views before entering the US.

If you have commitments, want to visit family, or just want to visit the U.S. for vacation, this may be an inconvenience, however, it is important to note that most Canadians should be able to enter the U.S. without any problems granted if they follow the law/rules, are truthful, and have the right documents.

Who Decides If You Can Enter the U.S.?

As stated on the government of Canada website, the United States government, or any country for that matter, has the authority to decide who can enter and exit its borders. Even if you are a Canadian citizen, U.S. border officers have full discretion to allow or deny entry.

While most Canadians can cross the border without issues, according to CBC, some travellers may face extra questioning if they have dual citizenship, particularly from a country that has restrictions with the U.S., and should take extra precaution and plan accordingly. Travellers may be denied entry if they have violated or were denied a visa in the past, if their travel history indicates they travel to countries the U.S. deems as high-risk, or if there is any indication of misrepresentation during your questioning or your documents.

Although it is not common to be denied entry into the U.S if you are a law-abiding citizen, it is ultimately the officer’s choice based on their judgement on whether you are being truthful so you should always comply with the officer and be prepared with the proper documentation.

Be Responsible When Entering U.S.

It’s understandable to feel concerned about crossing the U.S. border especially with the current political climate, but most Canadians can still cross the border without trouble. The key is to be prepared. It is important to be vigilant and respectful to an officer when entering any country. Make sure you arrive early and have enough time; in case you are in fact questioned.