Canada Updates U.S. Journey Warning for LGBTQ+ People

Canada has updated its travel advisory for the U.S. to warn LGBTQ+ vacationers of elevated scrutiny whereas crossing the border.

On Sept. 29, 2025, the Government of Canada revised its journey advisory for Canadians getting into the United States. The updates embrace new particulars for entry and exit necessities relating to passports, visas, and U.S. everlasting residents, in addition to modifications to regulation and tradition that might impression 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

The new advisory cautions that U.S. immigration authorities could reevaluate visa standing or residency eligibility in some circumstances, significantly for these with prior violations or irregularities. It additionally highlights potential challenges for vacationers whose passport gender markers — equivalent to Canada’s “X” designation — will not be acknowledged in U.S. federal methods, that are reportedly transitioning to require intercourse assigned at start in some documentation.

“While the Government of Canada issues passports with a “X” gender identifier, it can’t assure your entry or transit via different international locations,” the advisory warns. “You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you permit, confirm this info with the closest overseas consultant on your vacation spot.” 

According to the up to date advisory: “Federal methods within the U.S. are altering to now not settle for markers of gender identification. Sex assigned at start could now be requested by federal kinds and processes, together with:

• visa functions
• NEXUS functions
• passenger manifests
• passport functions
• Social Security functions

“Laws also vary by state and municipality. Some states have enacted laws affecting 2SLGBTQI+ persons. Check relevant state and local laws.”