California Joins Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, Vermont, and Others in Raising Travel Charges to Canada and Mexico This Year: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 12, 2025

California joins Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, Vermont, and others in raising travel charges to Canada and Mexico this year as part of new I-94 process changes, including electronic records and fee increases. These updates are designed to streamline border crossings, reduce wait times, and ensure better tracking of land border travelers. With the shift to digital I-94 records and the ability to pre-apply online, travelers will experience a more efficient process, though they will face higher fees starting in September 2025. This modernization of the I-94 system aims to improve the overall travel experience while maintaining security and compliance at U.S. land borders.

Key Changes to the I-94 Process for Land Border Travelers

The I-94 process has been streamlined for non-U.S. citizens traveling via land borders with Canada and Mexico. Key updates include the shift to electronic I-94 records, the ability to pre-apply and pay online, and a fee increase. Travelers departing the U.S. for Canada or Mexico must keep evidence of their departure to avoid issues with re-entry. Canadian citizens staying 30+ days must meet the U.S. alien registration requirement. These changes modernize the process, especially for land crossings.

California: Streamlined Land Crossings with Mexico

California travelers will experience smoother land crossings with Mexico due to the I-94 changes, which now include electronic records and pre-application options. This will reduce wait times at the border, allowing travelers to complete their I-94 process before arriving. However, travelers departing the U.S. to Mexico must keep proof of departure, such as entry stamps or tickets, to avoid overstays on future visits.

Texas: Increased Fees and Streamlined Process

Texas border crossings with Mexico will see travelers paying higher fees for the I-94 as of September 2025. The shift to an electronic system and the ability to pre-apply online will reduce delays. Non-residents will need to ensure proper departure records are kept when exiting to avoid future complications with U.S. re-entry.

Wisconsin: Improved I-94 Access for Canadian Travelers

For travelers crossing from Canada into Wisconsin, the electronic I-94 records make the process easier and faster. However, Canadian visitors planning longer stays (30+ days) now need to ensure they comply with U.S. alien registration requirements, which may involve obtaining an I-94 or filing Form G-325R if no I-94 is issued.

Michigan: New I-94 Requirements for Extended Stays

Michigan sees changes that impact Canadian visitors, particularly those staying for 30 days or more. These travelers must obtain an I-94 or complete the alien registration requirement to avoid issues on extended visits. With the digitization of I-94 records, the process will be easier, but compliance remains essential for extended stays.

Washington: Simplified Border Crossings with Canada

Washington’s border with Canada benefits from the move to electronic I-94s, allowing for faster entry and fewer paper records. However, Canadians planning to stay for more than 30 days need to be mindful of new alien registration requirements, ensuring they meet the necessary conditions to avoid delays or penalties during their stay.

Vermont: Effortless Crossings with Canada

Vermont’s border with Canada is now more efficient thanks to the transition to electronic I-94 records. While most Canadian citizens won’t need an I-94 for short visits, those staying longer than 30 days must ensure they meet the U.S. alien registration requirements. The ability to pre-apply for I-94 online helps reduce delays at the border.

Other States Likely to Face I-94 Changes

Other states that are likely to face similar changes to the I-94 process, including electronic records and fee increases, would include those with significant land border crossings to Canada and Mexico. These states may include:

1. Arizona – A key border state with Mexico, seeing an increase in traffic across its land borders.
2. New York – With its proximity to Canada, this state is also a high-traffic region for land crossings.
3. North Dakota – Another border state with Canada, where these I-94 process changes could apply.
4. Montana – Similarly, as a border state with Canada, it could be impacted by the new I-94 regulations.

These states are likely to follow in the footsteps of California, Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, and Vermont as the U.S. modernizes its border-crossing procedures. However, official announcements for these states may vary depending on their specific border traffic and infrastructure updates.

California joins Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, Vermont, and others in raising travel charges to Canada and Mexico this year as part of new I-94 process changes, including electronic records and fee increases.

Conclusion

California joins Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, Vermont, and others in raising travel charges to Canada and Mexico this year, as part of the broader changes to the I-94 process. These updates, which include electronic record systems and increased fees, aim to streamline border crossings, improve tracking, and reduce delays. While the higher fees may pose some challenges, they are designed to modernize the process and enhance efficiency for travelers. As these changes take effect, travelers will experience quicker, more organized crossings, though they will need to adjust to the new costs and requirements.