Earlier this spring, Canada updated its advice to those travelling to the United States. With an unpredictable political environment, we are recapping the changes that might be relevant to physicians and physician-researchers. You can read the full government advisory for US travel here, which it should be noted is still category green, meaning to take normal security precautions. 

Searching your electronic devices

The updated advice warns Canadians to ​“expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices,” and to ​“comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities.” If a device is password protected, you are required to let agents access it. Searches were rare in 2024, with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency reporting in media that less that 0.01% of international visitors had their electronic devices searched. However, the changing political climate has increased concern these searches could increase. 

The CMPA (Canadian Medical Protective Association) issued updated advice earlier this month:

• Border agents can inspect business information, including medical records stored electronically on a mobile device (such as a smartphone, laptop, USB drive, or tablet).
• The CMPA encourages physicians who travel across international borders to consider whether their devices contain identifiable patient information.
• Any confidential information that is not required during the trip should be removed from devices, even if the information or the device is password-protected and encrypted.
• Keep your mobile devices in airplane mode when submitting to a border search.

Beyond patient privacy concerns, some are concerned records of any political views on devices could result in detention or deportation:

• Media have reported deportations, such as the recent case of a Lebanese physician and professor at Brown University who was deported after agents discovered deleted photos of Iran and Hezbollah leaders on her phone. 
• The Canadian Association of University Professors recommended academics avoid non-essential travel to the U.S. They specifically caution those who are citizens of countries with diplomatic tensions with the U.S., and even Canadians with passport stamps from these countries. However, they also raise concerns for those who have expressed negative opinions about the current U.S. administration or its politics or those whose research could be seen as at odds with current U.S. political priorities.

Several universities have also provided caution about U.S. travel, including the Université de Montréal, and Queens University. The University of Manitoba issued a statement saying that ​“UM is paying close attention to current events and government travel advisories and encourages our faculty, staff and students to do the same when considering any international travel.” 

A Canadian Universities guide for academics includes advice too. While last updated in 2019, it includes useful steps, such as considering your research and social media profiles so you are aware of your public profile.

Keep ID on you at all times

With increased reporting of detentions and deportations that may not afford individuals due process, it is recommended to keep proof of your legal status, such as your passport, with you at all times. The Canadian government advisory notes ​“authorities may request proof of legal status in the U.S. at any time,” and to ​“be prepared to show evidence of your legal presence in the U.S.”

Register for visits over 30 days

Those visiting for longer than 30 days are now required to register with the U.S. government. Failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution. Travellers can verify if they have been automatically registered on entry to the U.S. by looking up their I‑94 admission form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.

2SLGBTQI+ Advice

The Canadian advice notes that some states have enacted laws and policies that may affect 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and to check relevant state and local laws. See the federal guide for travel safety on this topic.