If you have plans to visit the U.S. any time soon, you may want to check the latest travel advisory update from the Government of Canada.
On Friday, Ottawa added a serious warning about entry and exit requirements for Canadians travelling south.
“Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders, and the Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements for the United States,” reads the advisory.
It stresses that individual U.S. border agents have “significant discretion” in determining if you meet entry or exit requirements and says Canadians should expect scrutiny at ports of entry, which could include searching electronic devices.
“Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation,” reads the advisory.
The government included a helpful guide if, in the worst-case scenario, you do get detained.
In late March, Canada issued an update about entry and exit requirements for foreign nationals who plan to visit the U.S. for over a month.
“Canadians and other foreign nationals visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days must be registered with the United States government,” read the notice. “Failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanour prosecution.”
While many Canucks are choosing not to travel down south during the trade war, there are still situations where people have to go there for school, work, or pre-planned events like weddings.
With the troubling story of a B.C. entrepreneur getting detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the U.S., Canadians may be experiencing a bit of travel anxiety.
Check out our guide to what you should know about your rights before you cross the U.S. border, with expert advice from an immigration lawyer.
