The Government of Canada has recently updated its travel advisory page for the United States, advising some Canadians that they could be turned away at the border.
The advisory change is specifically for Entry and Exit Requirements, which can potentially affect First Nations persons and Native Americans born in Canada.
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Advisory Changes
“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 page. Moreover, “individual border agents often have significant discretion in making those determinations. U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements.”
Those with a Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS), also known as a secure status card, can technically cross the Canada-U.S. border by land or water with it. Although, the acceptance of these cards is completely up to U.S. officials. Notably, secure status cards are not accepted travel documents for air travel.
If you are crossing the Canada-U.S. border, you are strongly recommended to bring a valid passport, as well as a valid machine-readable secure status card.
Border Tensions
These travel advisory updates come as tensions continue to brew at the border. From threats of annexation to tariff talk, the numbers show that Canadians are choosing to avoid the U.S. altogether.
According to the B.C. Transportation Ministry and Washington state’s Department of Transportation, travel was down 37% in October 2025 at four land border crossing points when compared to 2024’s numbers. And in July 2025, there were only 118,000 B.C. crossings into Washington, with points at Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden and Sumas having 88,686 fewer vehicles passing through the border than last year’s.
But for those who are heading past the border, be sure to bring your valid passport when travelling. The Canadian government also asks you to expect heightened scrutiny at ports of entry, including of your electronic devices.
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