For decades, the United States has been Canada’s go-to getaway — sunny weather, outlet malls, and marquee cities that feel just familiar enough. But the illusion of ease is starting to fray. This week, Canada quietly updated its travel advisory for the U.S., and the message was clear: think twice.
Among the most troubling developments is a new requirement that Canadian citizens staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days must register and be fingerprinted. This is no minor policy tweak. It reflects a deeper shift in how America views its neighbors — not as trusted friends, but as foreign nationals to be tracked and processed.
It’s not just long stays that raise red flags. At the border, Canadians face increasingly unpredictable treatment. Customs officers wield unquestioned discretion, and a valid passport is no longer a guarantee of entry. Your reason for visiting, your phone contents, even your social media — all may be scrutinized, and there’s little recourse if you’re turned away.
The Uneasy Reality Behind the Advisory
The United States holds the highest incarceration rate in the world — over 2 million people behind bars, more than any other country, including those with far larger populations. And unlike in Canada, where border services tend to prioritize clarity and courtesy, crossing into the U.S. can feel like a gamble. Will today’s border agent let me through? Will a minor infraction be held against me?
There’s a growing number of Canadians — especially from the GTA — who are asking themselves if it’s worth it anymore. And they’re answering: probably not.
Vacation in a Vise
Let’s not pretend the only places worth visiting are Miami, L.A., New York, or Vegas. While these destinations still sparkle, the cost of travel has grown far beyond airfare and hotel. There’s now a cost to dignity — a sense that your presence could be questioned, your privacy breached, your plans undone.
That’s not the kind of vacation most Canadians want. And for those considering vacation homes in Florida or Arizona, the policy shift should raise serious questions. Will future visits include fingerprinting, surveillance, or worse?
Rethinking Where We Belong
We often take for granted that proximity equals alignment. But as America drifts further into political polarization, legal unpredictability, and mass incarceration, Canada must protect not only its citizens’ safety, but their dignity abroad.
This isn’t just about foreign policy. It’s about personal policy. Where do we choose to spend our time, our money, and our trust? For many in the GTA, the answer may no longer be across the border.
It’s time to broaden our horizons — and maybe, finally, let go of the idea that American soil is automatically safer, freer, or friendlier.
Canada Watch is GTA Weekly’s national affairs column, published every Monday.
Follow us @GTAWeeklyNews for stories that shape our nation. #GTAToday #CanadaWatch
This is fear mongering by a leftist Canadian government. Just make sure we don’t vote them in again!
No its not its reality. Tell that to the girl who tried to enter at the san Ysidro crossing was sent to Louisiana prison or the guy from Maryland sent to El Salvador.
It’s not fear mongering if actual people tell their actual stories . Isn’t that exactly the same as a review on a product or place? “Rate your experience “ or “leave a review “? You’ve never looked at reviews for anything you want to do or purchase? You have for sure! Is it fear mongering if someone leaves a bad review? Isn’t it then up to people to decide if they still want whatever it is? Please find a new term to throw around , cause fear mongering is getting old.
We have visited the US many times and although it always felt a bit different than here at home, we always felt like we were a relative visiting family. We were in Alaska last year and actually saw some Americans with Canadian flags on their RV’s on Canada Day
Now not so much now it seems.
I can’t imagine why the US feels the need to treat us this way, but I guess we can take some reassurance we are not alone.
I can’t be bothered stepping foot and spending my money in a place where I am not welcome.
Before it was just the Government being antagonistic.
Now it seems it is with the general public somewhat as well.
How one person can change a whole country’s perception is truly mind boggling.
As our Prime Minister said, our relationship will never be the same again.
It is truly unfortunate.
f*** off Blackface started all thus shit
You mean Orange Face!
I agree with everything said in the travel advisory. As a person who has spent many years traveling to Florida and Arizona, the total disrespect shown to Canadians is despicable and uncalled for. It is a sad time for Americans and Canadians. In the future I will travel at home and to countries who show respect and are welcoming to visitors. Billies should not be ignored or appeased. I stand strong with my fellow Canadians!
The article is inaccurate in that the requirement for fingerprints was removed weeks ago.
I would like to know why the rest of the world cannot build a wall around the USA they are only 330 millions the world don’t need them and let them stand alone I do hope the leaders have a plan to isolate those bullies and let eat all the stuff they produce and start boycott their products today The guy running the usa is mentally ill and he has a bunch a fools as yes man followed him closing by we all saying F–k Trump buy Canadian
It’s not a lie it’s not the lefts fault,it’s that orange….so there is no way I’m voting for mini me orange and his P.C part,they ask Ford for help and he said no!,that should be a big red flag when a person from their own party turns them down…..look what’s happening in U.S.A.,WE DONT NEED THAT UP HERE,THIS WOKE SHIT IS JUST A EXCUSE TO VE HATEFULL TO PPLE WHO DONT AGREE WITH YOU,WHEN YOU VOTE IN A PERSON WHO IS FULL OF HATE THEN YOU GET A GOVERNMENT LIKE IN THE U.S.A.,HAS ANYTHING GOTTEN BETTER IN AMERICA SINCE THE ORANGE WON!!
The people that wrote this truth should spell out the whole truth not just “hear say”. We have been traveling back and forth to the USA for years and, upon checking have I-94 records dating back 7 years. No finger prints needed, only for first time Canadians that wish to stay longer than 30 days. Canada Customs had the authority to check our phones 10 years ago, they did, and all is good. We have been treated with respect by Americans and consider them extended family. Just got back In April and have plans to go back next winter.
This border rules are only from this year my dear since President Trump won. We was in NY last August, was fantastic vacation. The Trump Admin is different now.
I refuse to be fingerprinted by a convicted con! We will be staying away!