Canada Warns Travellers of Increased US Border Scrutiny

The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to prepare for increased scrutiny at U.S. border crossings, including potential searches of electronic devices. The advisory highlights that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have significant discretion in their inspections, which could lead to detainment if entry is denied. Any Canadian staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days must now register with U.S. authorities, effective April 11, 2025, to avoid penalties. Recent reports indicate a decline in Canadian travelers to the U.S., with a 23 percent drop in driving trips in February compared to the previous year. Legal experts recommend travelers consider leaving their devices behind or cleansing them of sensitive content to mitigate risks associated with device searches. Concerns have been raised about the possible implications of having critical content regarding the U.S. government on personal devices.