Canada Issues Urgent Travel Warning as Snowbirds and Long-Term Visitors Face US Border Penalties and Prosecutions for Non-Compliance

Published on December 20, 2025

As millions of Canadians prepare for winter getaways to the United States, the Canadian government has issued a significant travel advisory highlighting the strict enforcement of U.S. border rules that could affect those planning to stay beyond 30 days. For travelers, especially snowbirds heading south for the colder months, this serves as a wake-up call: failure to comply with U.S. entry regulations can result in severe penalties, fines, or even misdemeanor prosecution. This advisory reflects heightened border scrutiny and serves as a reminder for Canadians to be aware of registration requirements when crossing the U.S. border.

The warning comes at a time when U.S. border enforcement is becoming more assertive, with authorities beginning to strictly enforce long-standing rules that had previously been less rigorously applied. While the legal framework behind these requirements isn’t new, the recent uptick in enforcement is changing the landscape for Canadian visitors who typically cross the land border without much thought about formal registration.

A Shift in U.S. Border Enforcement: What Canadians Need to Know

In the past, Canadians who stayed in the U.S. for extended periods, such as snowbirds heading to states like Florida, Arizona, and California, may have been unaware of the formalities required for stays longer than 30 days. However, recent reports indicate that U.S. authorities are no longer turning a blind eye to this long-standing regulation. According to Global Affairs Canada, Canadian travelers must now take extra steps to ensure they are registered with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) system.

For Canadians planning trips exceeding 30 days, the U.S. government mandates that they register their visit in advance. If travelers fail to do so, they could face fines, penalties, or even misdemeanor charges for non-compliance. This policy primarily affects those entering the U.S. by land, a method of travel that is commonly used by Canadians, especially snowbirds.

The crux of the advisory centers on the importance of registration. Travelers who exceed the 30-day threshold should ensure that they have been registered in the U.S. system and can verify their status through an I-94 admission record. If no such record exists, travelers are advised to manually register with the U.S. authorities.

Why Is This Important for Snowbirds and Extended Stayers?

Canada’s travel advisory is not a reflection of a new Canadian policy but rather a reminder of how U.S. authorities are now enforcing their existing rules with increased vigilance. Snowbirds, who typically spend months in warmer U.S. climates during the winter, are particularly vulnerable to the new enforcement measures. With approximately 900,000 snowbirds crossing into the U.S. each year, many of whom stay for several months, this registration requirement is a significant issue for a large segment of Canadian travelers.

As reported by Reuters, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates that millions of Canadians could be affected by this shift in enforcement practices. These travelers are now expected to prove that they are in the U.S. temporarily and that they comply with the terms of their entry. In response to this growing concern, the Canadian Snowbird Association has published detailed guidelines to help travelers navigate the registration process.

Practical Steps for Compliance: How Canadians Can Avoid Penalties

For those planning to stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days, it is crucial to take the following steps to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration rules:

1. Confirm Your I-94 Record: Travelers can check whether their entry into the U.S. has been automatically registered by reviewing their I-94 admission record. This can be done online via the U.S. CBP website.
2. Register if Needed: If no I-94 record exists for stays longer than 30 days, Canadians must follow the U.S. registration process as outlined by CBP.
3. Carry Documentation: It is important to keep proof of registration (such as the I-94 form) with you during your travels to avoid complications at the border.
4. Prepare for Scrutiny: At the border, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents may question travelers about the purpose of their stay, their ties to Canada, and their ability to financially support their trip.

By following these steps, travelers can reduce the risk of facing penalties and ensure a smooth entry process.

Increased Scrutiny at the Border: What Travelers Should Expect

Beyond the registration requirement, Canadian travelers should also be aware that U.S. border officers may scrutinize more than just their travel plans. The U.S. has the authority to inspect travelers’ electronic devices and request passwords. Refusing to comply with such requests could result in entry denial or delays, which could disrupt travel plans.

The advisory from Canada urges travelers to take precautions, such as putting their devices in airplane mode before crossing the border. This simple step can prevent accidental syncing of remote files, which could otherwise lead to unnecessary complications during border checks.

Declining Travel Volumes and Economic Impact

The timing of this advisory is notable, as cross-border travel between Canada and the U.S. has been declining. In August 2025, Statistics Canada reported a 29.7% decrease in Canadian residents returning from trips to the U.S. compared to the same period in 2024. While the pandemic and economic factors have contributed to this decline, the tightening of U.S. border enforcement is likely playing a role in the reduced travel volumes.

For communities near the Canada-U.S. border, this decline in travel could have serious economic consequences. Many border towns in the U.S. rely heavily on Canadian visitors, and the decrease in trips has been particularly impactful in regions like the Pacific Northwest, where passenger vehicle crossings have dropped by double digits.

The Bottom Line: Know Before You Go

In conclusion, the message from the Canadian government is clear: If you’re planning an extended stay in the U.S., particularly by land, you must ensure that you’re in compliance with U.S. border rules. Registering your visit, keeping documentation, and being prepared for border scrutiny are essential steps in avoiding potential fines or prosecution.

As border enforcement becomes more stringent, Canadian travelers must take responsibility for their compliance. Snowbirds and other long-term visitors to the U.S. should carefully review the updated regulations to ensure that they can enjoy their stay without facing unnecessary legal challenges. The Canadian government’s travel advisory serves as an important reminder that administrative compliance is now more critical than ever for those venturing south for extended periods.