Canadian Authorities alerts citizens, especially LGBTQ+ travelers, of tighter U.S. entry rules amid Trump-era gender policy changes and ongoing legal disputes.
Canada has issued a fresh travel warning for citizens visiting the United States, citing increased scrutiny at U.S. borders—particularly for LGBTQ+ travelers who may face questions about their gender identity.
The advisory, released this week by Global Affairs Canada, highlights concerns over recent U.S. policy changes under President Donald Trump’s administration. It warns that federal systems and immigration processes in the United States are shifting toward stricter gender classifications, affecting travelers who identify as non-binary or transgender.
The update comes months after Trump signed an executive order in January 2025 requiring all U.S. passports to list gender strictly as “male” or “female,” eliminating recognition of gender identity or non-binary markers. Although a federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily halted enforcement in June 2025, following a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the litigation remains unresolved.
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According to Ottawa, Canadian citizens and residents traveling to the U.S. may now be subject to additional reviews, including potential termination of visas or reassessment of residency status. The advisory notes that “federal systems in the U.S. are changing to no longer accept markers of gender identity,” adding that travelers could be asked to provide their gender assigned at birth in official forms and applications.
Canadians typically do not require a visa for stays of up to six months in the United States. However, the government cautions that those who hold visas could see them revoked under specific conditions, such as alleged violations of entry terms or a re-evaluation of eligibility based on criminal history.
The warning also extends to Canadian permanent residents residing in the U.S., who could face stricter enforcement if they exceed permitted stays abroad or fail to maintain eligibility criteria.
A dedicated section for 2SLGBTQI and travelers now warns that individuals may face additional questioning related to their gender identity. Canada, which issues passports with an “X” gender marker for those who do not identify as male or female, advises that such documents may not be recognized in the United States or other countries with restrictive gender policies.
Ottawa urges all travelers to verify that their documentation aligns with current U.S. entry requirements and to prepare for potential changes as legal challenges over gender recognition continue.
