Canada issues new U.S. travel advisory: Warns of increased border scrutiny, device searches
Babushahi Bureau
Ottawa (Canada), April 4, 2025: In a significant move, the Canadian government has updated its official travel advisory for citizens visiting the United States, citing heightened scrutiny at the border and growing concerns over privacy violations.
The new advisory, effective April 4, warns Canadian travelers that U.S. Border Patrol officers now have broad authority to search electronic devices—including phones, laptops, and tablets—without requiring a warrant. This warning comes amid increasing tensions linked to the Trump administration’s trade policies, which have intensified enforcement measures at entry points.Canadian officials are urging travelers to exercise caution, particularly when carrying sensitive digital data.
Privacy experts have even suggested the use of burner phones or minimal-data devices when crossing the U.S. border to avoid the risk of personal information being seized or examined.
The advisory follows multiple reports of Canadian travelers being detained or having their devices temporarily confiscated for inspection. While travel between the two nations remains open, the Canadian government has made it clear: this is not a routine update but a serious cautionary message for its citizens.