Canada warns LGBTQ+ travelers about new US entry rules — What you need to know

Canada has revised its travel advisory for citizens heading to the United States, warning of tighter scrutiny at the border and providing expanded guidance for LGBTQ+ travelers — particularly those with passports listing an “X” gender marker.

Why This Matters

The update comes in the wake of a controversial executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2025, which mandated that federal documents, including passports, only recognize “male” or “female” designations. While a federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily halted enforcement in June after a lawsuit filed by the ACLU, the matter remains before the courts.

Key Details in the Advisory

• Visa and Residency Risks: Canadian officials note that U.S. authorities could cancel visas or permanent residency status in certain situations, such as reassessing eligibility or uncovering past criminal convictions.

• Routine Stays: Canadian citizens can typically remain in the U.S. for up to six months without a visa, but those who need one should be aware that U.S. officials may periodically review existing visas.

• Permanent Residency: Holders of U.S. green cards could also face review, with residency potentially revoked for extended stays abroad or other eligibility issues.

Impact on LGBTQ+ Travelers

The advisory specifically warns 2SLGBTQ+ travelers that they may encounter challenges tied to their gender identity. Since Canada issues passports with an “X” marker for people who do not identify as male or female, holders of such passports may face entry restrictions into the U.S. and other countries that do not recognize non-binary designations.

Affected federal processes could include:

• Visa and passport applications

• NEXUS trusted-traveler applications

• Passenger manifests

• Social Security documentation

Canadian officials now caution that travelers may still be asked to provide sex as either male or female when entering the U.S.

Growing Concerns

This advisory follows earlier warnings in 2023, when Canada flagged anti-2SLGBTQ+ laws in several U.S. states. It also comes after U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced changes to Nexus applications, removing the “X” gender option following Trump’s executive order.

As of January, about 3,600 Canadians had passports listing “X” as their gender, an option introduced in 2019.

What’s Next

The Canadian government is urging travelers to review their documentation carefully before departure and to anticipate potential issues at the border. With litigation ongoing in U.S. courts, the policy’s future remains uncertain.

For now, LGBTQ+ Canadians planning to visit the U.S. are advised to take extra precautions and remain aware of the evolving legal and political climate.

FAQ Section

Q1: Why did Canada update its travel advisory for the U.S.?
Canada updated the advisory due to recent U.S. federal changes under President Trump’s executive order that only recognizes “male” and “female” gender markers on federal documents.

Q2: Who is most affected by this advisory?
The update specifically warns LGBTQ+ and non-binary travelers, especially those with passports carrying an “X” gender marker, as they may face entry issues or additional scrutiny.

Q3: Can Canadian citizens still visit the U.S. without a visa?
Yes. Canadians can generally stay up to six months without a visa, but those requiring one may face periodic reviews of their eligibility.

Q4: What risks do U.S. green card holders face?
Canadian citizens with U.S. permanent residency could have their status revoked if they live outside the country for too long or if eligibility is reassessed.

Q5: What should LGBTQ+ travelers do before visiting the U.S.?
They should carefully review travel documents, ensure consistency across applications, and be prepared to provide sex as “male” or “female” even if their Canadian passport lists “X.”