The Canadian government has updated its travel advisory for Canadians planning to visit the United States for longer than 30 days. This new rule, which goes into effect on April 11, requires non-American citizens or permanent residents to register with the U.S. government. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution. This rule will affect Canadians, including “snowbirds” who spend their winter months in the U.S, and travellers are advised to check the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website to see if they need to register.
Previously, Canadians were able to visit the U.S. for up to six months without a visa, with the requirement to declare their intended length of stay upon entry. Under the new rule, the Department of Homeland Security says that certain groups of aliens may not have been registered upon entry. This change comes at a time of strained relations between Canada and the U.S., with tensions over tariffs imposed on Canadian imports by the Trump administration and Trump’s claims that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. These threats have led to a growing “Elbows up” movement in Canada, prompting many Canadians to reconsider their plans to visit the U.S.
To verify if they have been automatically registered upon entry to the U.S., travellers are advised to look up their I-94 admission form on the U.S. Customs Border Protection website. In addition to Canada, other countries have also updated their travel advisories for the U.S. in response to reports of British and German nationals being detained at the border amid an immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. This highlights the need for travellers to stay informed and prepared before entering the U.S. to avoid any potential issues or complications.
With the new registration requirement set to go into effect next month, Canadians planning to visit the United States for longer periods are being urged to comply with the rules to avoid facing penalties or legal consequences. The updated travel advisory serves as a reminder for travellers to check if they need to register and to stay informed about any changes or updates to the regulations. It is essential for Canadians, including snowbirds and other long-term travellers, to be aware of the new rules and to take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience while in the U.S.
The implementation of this new registration rule reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and monitoring of foreign visitors to the U.S. as part of efforts to enhance national security and border control. As tensions between countries continue to impact travel policies and regulations, it is important for travellers to stay updated on any changes that may affect their visit. By following the guidelines provided by the Canadian government and checking with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, Canadians can ensure that they are prepared and compliant with the latest requirements for travelling to the United States.
