Canada updates US travel advisory, cautions 2SLGBTQI+ citizens

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A view of the Toronto skyline from Riverdale Park East in Toronto, Ontario, on September 14, 2025. (Photo by Pouria Afkhami / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by POURIA AFKHAMI/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Canada is updating its travel advisory for citizens wanting to visit the U.S., specifically those of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. 

Authorities updated their guidance Wednesday.

What is the update for travel?

Dig deeper:

Canadian authorities said federal systems in the U.S. are shifting away from recognizing gender identity markers, with many agencies now requiring individuals to provide their sex assigned at birth on official forms. 

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This change affects a range of federal processes, including visa and NEXUS applications, passenger manifests, passport services, and Social Security documentation. 

At the same time, laws governing gender identity and related rights continue to vary widely across states and municipalities, with some jurisdictions enacting legislation that directly impacts 2SLGBTQI+ communities. 

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Officials advise individuals to review relevant state and local regulations when navigating these processes.

Canadian authorities also are warning ttravelers that U.S. officers may conduct thorough inspections at the border.  

"Individual border agents often have significant discretion in making those determinations," the website read. "U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements. Expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices. Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation."

What is 2SLGBTQI+?

Big picture view:

The Canadian acronym represents the diversity of sexual and gender identities, with Two-Spirit (2S) placed at the front to acknowledge Indigenous Two-Spirit people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities. 

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The acronym also includes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex, with "Intersex" highlighting sex characteristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. The "+" is meant to be inclusive of all individuals who identify with additional sexual and gender-diverse communities and terminologies.

Previous travel updates from Canadians

The backstory:

In April, the association that represents academic staff at Canadian universities is warning its members against non-essential travel to the United States.

The Canadian Association of University Teachers released updated travel advice due to the "political landscape" created by President Donald Trump’s administration and reports of some Canadians encountering difficulties crossing the border.

The association says academics who are from countries that have tense diplomatic relations with the United States, or who have themselves expressed negative views about the Trump administration, should be particularly cautious about U.S. travel.

Its warning is particularly targeted to academics who identify as transgender or "whose research could be seen as being at odds with the position of the current U.S. administration."

The Canadian government updated its U.S. travel advisory, warning residents they may face scrutiny from border guards and the possibility of detention if denied entry.