2025 Guide: What Canadians Need to Know for Land Travel to the United States

Current Context: Major Changes in 2025

The landscape of travel between Canada and the United States has significantly evolved in 2025, with the Trump administration introducing stricter border security measures. Strained relations due to the 25% tariffs imposed by the United States have also affected the Canadian traveler experience.

New Major Requirement: Mandatory Registration for Stays Over 30 Days

Since April 11, 2025, a crucial rule applies:

• All Canadians staying in the United States more than 30 consecutive days must register with U.S. authorities
• This rule, which already existed for other countries, now applies to Canada
• The revised Form G-325R (version of March 6, 2025) must be submitted electronically via the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website
• Important: This form cannot be mailed or submitted in person
• New: Each person must have their own individual USCIS account, including children under 14

Who is affected:

• Snowbirds returning to spend winter in Florida
• Business travelers on extended stays
• Tourists making long-duration visits
• Canadian retirees spending several months in the United States

Exemptions:

• Travelers arriving by air (for now)
• Canadians who have already completed Form I-94
• U.S. immigration visa holders
• Employees in the United States or dual citizens

Penalties for non-compliance: Significant fines and possible criminal prosecution.

Required Documents for Land Entry

For Canadian adults (16 years and older):

• Valid Canadian passport (recommended)
• NEXUS card (passport alternative)
• Enhanced Driver's License (certain states only: Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Vermont)

For Canadian children (15 years and younger):

• Original birth certificate or certified copy
• Canadian citizenship card
• Canadian passport (recommended)

For youth aged 16-17 traveling in school groups:

• Birth certificate or Canadian citizenship card is sufficient

Enhanced Border Controls in 2025

Intensified Electronic Device Searches

New reality: U.S. border agents have significantly strengthened electronic device controls since early 2025.

What you need to know:

• Agents can request your passwords for phones, tablets, and computers
• Refusing to cooperate can result in:
  • Confiscation of your devices
  • Denial of entry to the United States
  • Extended interrogations
  • Significant delays

Practical advice:

• Put your devices in airplane mode before arriving at the border
• Consider traveling with a secondary device containing minimal information
• Back up your important data before traveling
• Log out of your social media accounts on your devices if you prefer

Additional Questions at the Border

Agents may request:

• Residence address during your stay
• Proof of ties to Canada (work, studies, residence)
• Trip justification and expected duration
• Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
• Documents attesting to your status in Canada

Impact of the Trade War on Travel

Recent statistics (March 2025):

• 31.9% decrease in land returns compared to March 2024
• 13.5% decrease in air returns
• Third consecutive month of decline

New 25% tariffs:

• Apply to many American food products
• Affect Canadians shopping in the United States
• Surprise for several travelers upon return

Public perception:

• 52% of Canadians consider it no longer safe to travel to the United States
• 30% of Canadians plan to travel less to the United States because of Trump

Safety and Preparation Tips

Before departure:

• Check current requirements on the official Government of Canada website
• Purchase travel medical insurance (strongly recommended)
• Prepare all your documents in multiple copies
• Stay informed about weather conditions and alerts

During travel:

• Remain cooperative with border agents
• Be transparent and honest in your responses
• Keep your documents easily accessible
• Avoid high-crime risk areas

Recommended normal security measures:

• Don't leave valuables in your vehicle
• Store your travel documents safely
• Avoid disadvantaged neighborhoods, especially at night
• Stay vigilant in tourist areas

Changes in Visa Applications

New requirements since February 2025:

• Modified visa application process
• Mandatory indication of "sex at birth"
• Increased social media surveillance: obligation to provide all account identifiers used in the past 5 years

Border Points and Delays

Important planning:

• Expect longer delays at border posts
• Enhanced controls slow down the process
• Avoid peak hours if possible
• Check wait times online before departing

Preclearance service:

• Available at certain Canadian airports
• Allows immigration formalities before departure
• Subject to the same strict requirements

Return to Canada

Simplified procedure:

• ArriveCAN app optional
• Can be used for customs declaration

Attention to new tariffs:

• Check products subject to 25% retaliatory tariffs
• Calculate additional costs before purchase

Final Recommendations

Before traveling:

1. Check the voyage.gc.ca website for recent updates
2. Register if your stay exceeds 30 days
3. Prepare your electronic devices according to new rules
4. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance

During travel:

• Stay informed about political developments
• Keep Canadian embassy contacts
• Document your stay to prove duration

The current context requires more careful preparation, but land travel to the United States remains possible for well-prepared Canadians.

Last updated: June 2025 | Sources: Government of Canada, Canadian Embassy in the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection