If you’re a Canadian crossing into the U.S., you should expect “scrutiny at all points of entry, including of electronic devices,” the Canadian government’s latest advisory reads.
The federal government made slight changes to the language in its for the United States Friday afternoon, clarifying that U.S. border officials have the right to search devices such as cellphones and laptops.
Canadians should “comply and be forthcoming in all interactions” with U.S. border agents, the federal government added, warning that Canadian citizens who are denied entry could be detained while awaiting deportation.
This land has a proud history of beating the Americans.
“Individual border agents often have significant discretion in making (entry or exit requirement) determinations,” the advisory said. “U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements.”
The advisory acknowledges the border information comes from U.S. authorities and notes it can “change at any time.”
Despite the updated language, Canadians can still take “normal” security precautions while travelling in the U.S. and the risk level remains “green,” meaning travellers should take “similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.”
As U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration takes a stronger stance on immigration and wages a trade war against Canada and most of the world, fewer Canadians appear to be keen on visiting the States.
OAG Aviation, a U.K.-based global travel data company, released data last month showing “a sharp decline” in bookings for flights to the U.S. by Canadian travellers.
The number of travellers heading to the U.S. from Canada by car in February also dropped by half a million compared to the same point in 2024, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The drop in air and vehicle travel also comes as Trump repeatedly taunts and threatens the annexation of Canada, as well as commonly referring it to as the “51st State” and calling former prime minster Justin Trudeau the “governor.”
A born and raised Yukoner being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a …
In March, Canadian Jasmine Mooney was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for about 12 days when she tried to cross the border near San Diego, Calif. The Vancouver-based businesswoman was detained on March 3 “for not having legal documentation to be in the United States” and was processed in accordance Trump’s executive order in January titled “Securing Our Borders,” according to ICE officials.
She was released 12 days later from the San Luis Regional Detention Center in Arizona and suffered “inhumane and deeply concerning” conditions, her mother Alexis Eagles told the Canadian Press last month.
With files from The Canadian Press, Nathan Bawaan and Marisa Coulton
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