Travelling to the U.S. as a Canadian: What You Should Know

In light of recent events, Canadians have become more cautious about visiting the United States. As is customary, there have been reports of people being questioned at the border, but more and more people are being turned away when they arrive.

Why Do Some Canadians Fear Entering the United States?

In light of recent occurrences, some immigration attorneys have recommended some people to stay away from the United States altogether. People with dual citizenship or those who were born outside of Canada are primarily affected by these issues. Canadian nationals who were born in Canada have also experienced this. Before travelling to the United States, you should make sure that your social media pages do not reflect your political beliefs.

This might be inconvenient if you have obligations, wish to travel to the United States for vacation, or simply want to see family, but it’s crucial to remember that most Canadians should be able to enter the country without any issues as long as they follow the laws, are honest, and have the proper paperwork.

Who Makes the Decision to Enter the United States?

The government of the United States, or any other nation for that matter, has the power to determine who is allowed to enter and leave its borders, according to the Government of Canada website. U.S. border officials have complete authority over whether to grant or refuse entrance, even if you are a Canadian citizen.

According to CBC, most Canadians can cross the border without any problems, but some tourists who hold dual citizenship—especially those from a nation with limits with the United States—may be subject to further scrutiny and should prepare appropriately. If a traveller has previously violated or been rejected a visa, if their travel history shows they visit locations the U.S. considers high-risk, or if there is any hint of falsification during your interrogation or your documentation, they may be denied entry.

Even though it is uncommon for law-abiding citizens to be refused entrance into the United States, it is ultimately up to the officer to decide whether or not you are telling the truth, so you should always follow instructions and have the required paperwork on hand.

Enter the United States with caution

Although most Canadians can still cross the border without any issues, it is reasonable to be worried about doing so, particularly in light of the current political situation. Being ready is crucial. When entering any country, it’s crucial to be alert and considerate of an officer. In the event that you are questioned, make sure you arrive early and have adequate time.