Canada has updated its U.S. travel advisory, warning of increased scrutiny — particularly for LGBTQ+ travellers.
On the heels of the news that Canadians will require fingerprinting in these European countries, the latest update on September 29, 2025, included new information on entry and exit requirements (such as passports, visas, and U.S. permanent residents) as well as revised details on laws and culture related to 2SLGBTQI+ travellers.
What are the updated visa rules?
According to the advisory, Canadians can usually stay in the U.S. for up to six months without a visa, but must declare their intended length of stay upon entry.
For those who do require a visa, U.S. authorities may review previously issued visas, which can be revoked for reasons such as violations of admission terms or reassessments of eligibility, including past criminal convictions.
While visas are generally not needed for stays under six months, Canadians and other foreign nationals planning to stay more than 30 days must register with the U.S. government.
Failure to do so can lead to fines, penalties, or misdemeanor prosecution.
How does the update affect U.S. permanent residents?
The advisory notes that permanent resident status can be revoked for reasons such as extended periods spent outside the U.S. or a reassessment of eligibility, including past criminal convictions.
Canadians who hold U.S. permanent resident status must present a valid green card when entering the country.
How does the advisory affect LGBTQ+ travellers?
According to the Government of Canada website, the following update will affect 2SLGBTQI+ travellers.
As per the site, federal systems in the U.S. are changing to no longer accept markers of gender identity.
Sex assigned at birth may now be requested by federal forms and processes, including:
- Visa applications
- NEXUS applications
- Passenger manifests
- Passport applications
- Social Security applications
The site also stipulates that laws will also vary by state and municipality, and some states have enacted laws affecting 2SLGBTQI+ travellers.
Travellers are cautioned to check relevant state and local laws.
For more information from the Government of Canada regarding travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics, click on the link here.
For more details about the updated travel advisory, click here.
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