Canada Joins US, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Other American Countries in an Upsurge in Birth Tourism-Why Birth Tourism is Exploding and What It Means for the Future of Immigration

Published on December 24, 2025

Birth tourism is a growing trend across the Americas, with countries offering birthright citizenship (jus soli) drawing increasing numbers of foreign nationals. The United States, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Barbados stand out as the main destinations for birth tourism due to their open policies on granting citizenship to children born on their soil. These nations offer significant advantages, including access to global mobility, education, and long-term residency options for the child and, often, the parents. As families seek better opportunities for their children, birthright citizenship has become an attractive route to securing a prosperous future. This article will explore how birth tourism in the Americas is shaping immigration patterns and why countries like the United States and Barbados have become hotspots for parents seeking a better life for their children.

What is Birth Tourism?

Birth tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country with the primary intention of giving birth there, allowing the child to acquire the citizenship of that country. This practice is especially prevalent in countries with jus soli policies, which grant citizenship to any child born on their soil.

For many parents, birth tourism provides an opportunity to secure long-term benefits for their children, including access to better healthcare, education, and global mobility through an internationally respected passport. This practice has grown significantly in recent years, particularly from countries where travel freedom, political stability, or economic conditions may not meet the desires of some families. Let’s take a closer look at the countries in the Americas where birth tourism is on the rise.

Rise in Birth Tourism in Canada: Reasons Behind the Trend and Key Source Countries

Why Canada? The Appeal of Birthright Citizenship

Canada’s birthright citizenship policy is a key factor behind its appeal as a destination for birth tourism. Children born in Canada automatically become Canadian citizens, which allows them to benefit from some of the world’s best social services, including healthcare and education. The Canadian passport also provides unrestricted access to numerous countries globally, making it highly valuable for future travel and business opportunities.

Additionally, Canada’s reputation as a safe, politically stable, and welcoming country further enhances its attractiveness to families looking to secure better futures for their children. This makes Canada a go-to destination for families, particularly from nations with restrictive visa policies or political instability.

Countries Contributing to the Rise in Birth Tourism

1. China: A Major Source of Birth Tourists

China is one of the largest contributors to birth tourism in Canada. With travel restrictions and the Chinese passport offering limited global mobility, many Chinese families see Canadian citizenship as a way to provide better opportunities for their children. The Canadian passport allows for visa-free travel to over 130 countries, making it a highly sought-after asset. The surge in Chinese birth tourists is particularly noticeable in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, where large numbers of Chinese nationals reside.

2. India: Increasing Numbers Seeking Canadian Citizenship

Indian nationals also form a significant portion of birth tourists coming to Canada. Many Indian families are eager to secure Canadian citizenship for their children, viewing it as a gateway to better education and career prospects, particularly in North America and Europe. The rise of the Indian middle class and the increasing desire for global mobility have driven many families to consider Canada as a viable option for their children’s future.

3. Nigeria: Seeking Stability and Opportunities

Nigerian families are another growing demographic within the birth tourism trend. With concerns over political instability and economic challenges in Nigeria, many Nigerian parents are choosing to give birth in Canada to provide their children with access to better opportunities and a more stable future. The Canadian citizenship offers a path to permanent residency and access to a high standard of living.

4. Other Contributing Countries: Russia, Turkey, and More

Countries like Russia and Turkey have also seen increasing numbers of birth tourists to Canada. Families from these countries are drawn by Canada’s robust social services, high standard of education, and the opportunity for residency options. The appeal of a Canadian passport, which facilitates easy travel and access to Western countries, is a strong motivator for these families.

The Numbers Behind Birth Tourism in Canada

Recent data shows a sharp increase in non-resident self-pay births. In 2024, the number of non-resident births surged from 2,245 in 2021 to over 5,400, a more than doubling of the figures in just a few years. This growth in birth tourism is particularly evident in Ontario, which leads the country in non-resident births, followed by Quebec. Other provinces like British Columbia and Alberta also experience notable numbers of birth tourists, though to a lesser extent.

While non-resident births account for less than 2% of total births in Canada, the growth from 2021-2024 is significant, especially considering the pandemic years, which saw a substantial decrease in foreign births.

The Debate: Should Canada Reform Its Birthright Citizenship Laws?

The rise in birth tourism has sparked a heated debate about the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. Some critics argue that birth tourism exploits the country’s jus soli policy and encourages foreign nationals to use Canada’s citizenship laws for personal gain without contributing to the country’s economy or society.

In response, certain political figures, such as Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner, have called for reforms to limit birthright citizenship to children born to at least one parent who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. However, these proposals have faced significant opposition from the Liberal and Bloc Quebecois parties, who argue that birthright citizenship is a fundamental right that should not be restricted.

Despite the debates, Canada’s citizenship laws remain intact, and Bill C-3 introduced pathways to citizenship for Canadians abroad and those with “lost Canadian heritage”, further expanding access to Canadian citizenship for children born to Canadian parents outside of Canada.

The Future of Birth Tourism in Canada

As birth tourism continues to rise, its future remains uncertain. While Canada has yet to implement significant changes to its jus soli policy, the growing interest in Canadian citizenship among foreign nationals is unlikely to slow down. In the long run, Canada may face increased pressure to reconsider its policies, particularly as the global demand for citizenship-based travel benefits continues to rise.

For now, birth tourism remains a relatively small but important part of Canada’s immigration landscape, attracting families from countries like China, India, and Nigeria, all seeking the opportunities that come with a Canadian passport. As the debate continues, the increasing popularity of birth tourism in Canada shows the power and appeal of the country’s birthright citizenship laws, which provide global mobility and a brighter future for those fortunate enough to be born in this welcoming country.

United States: A Major Focal Point for Birth Tourism

The United States has long been the primary destination for birth tourism, largely because of its 14th Amendment, which guarantees that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically granted citizenship. This policy, commonly known as jus soli, has made the U.S. an attractive option for parents, particularly from countries with weaker passports or limited travel freedom.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in birth tourism to the U.S., especially following the relaxation of pandemic travel restrictions. Families from China, India, Nigeria, Russia, Turkey, and Brazil are among the largest groups seeking U.S. citizenship for their children. These parents are typically attracted by the U.S. passport, which offers visa-free access to a wide range of countries, as well as the ability to live and work in the U.S. in the future.

Despite efforts to limit birth tourism through increased visa scrutiny, the U.S. remains a major hub for this practice. Many expectant mothers enter the U.S. on tourist visas with the sole purpose of giving birth, often circumventing the restrictions placed on them. The U.S. government has increased its efforts to identify birth tourism cases, leading to heightened scrutiny at the immigration stage, but the demand for U.S. citizenship continues to be strong.

Mexico: An Accessible Option for Birthright Citizenship

Mexico also offers birthright citizenship to children born within its borders. Much like the U.S. and Canada, Mexico’s jus soli policy has made it a potential destination for birth tourists. Mexico’s proximity to the U.S., along with its affordable healthcare system and lower cost of living, makes it an attractive option for families seeking a second citizenship for their children.

While formal data on birth tourism in Mexico is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that the country has become a popular destination for parents from Latin America, as well as China, India, and Russia. Mexico’s favorable immigration policies and healthcare services have also contributed to its rise as a hotspot for birth tourism in recent years.

Given the strong ties between the U.S. and Mexico, and the ease of travel across the border, the growing interest in birth tourism in Mexico seems set to continue. Families who want access to both U.S. and Mexican citizenship can potentially benefit from the dual citizenship options offered by Mexico, further enhancing the appeal of this destination.

Brazil: An Attractive Destination for Birthright Citizenship

Brazil is another country that offers unrestricted birthright citizenship, meaning any child born in Brazil automatically gains citizenship. This policy has led to an increase in birth tourism from countries with limited access to passports that allow for global travel and opportunities.

Brazil’s open citizenship laws, combined with its growing influence on the global stage, have made it a popular choice for families looking to secure future opportunities for their children. The Brazilian passport allows for relatively easy access to much of South America and visa-free entry to various other destinations.

The growing interest in birth tourism in Brazil is driven not only by the benefits of citizenship but also by the country’s improved infrastructure and healthcare system, which make it an attractive option for international families. Brazil has seen a notable rise in birth tourism, with parents from China, India, and Russia taking advantage of the opportunities for global mobility and long-term residency.

Argentina: A Gateway to South American Citizenship

Like Brazil, Argentina also offers birthright citizenship to any child born on its soil, making it another potential destination for birth tourism. Argentina’s citizenship laws make it easier for children born in the country to secure access to the Argentine passport, which provides relatively easy access to other South American countries.

Although not as widely recognized for birth tourism as Brazil, Argentina has become an appealing option for families from across Latin America and other regions seeking to establish a second citizenship for their children. The ability to move freely within the Southern Cone of South America is a strong motivator for families looking to expand their global mobility.

Costa Rica and Other Latin American Nations

Costa Rica is another country that offers birthright citizenship to children born on its soil. Though less commonly associated with birth tourism than Mexico or Brazil, Costa Rica has been mentioned as an option for families seeking a stable and welcoming environment to give birth. Like many other Latin American nations, Costa Rica’s commitment to jus soli policies creates opportunities for foreign nationals looking to secure citizenship for their children.

Other countries with similar policies include Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. These countries, although not as frequently mentioned as Mexico or Brazil, provide access to birthright citizenship, and as such, may attract birth tourists seeking legal residency or citizenship options within Latin America.

Barbados and Other Caribbean Destinations

Barbados, a small island nation in the Caribbean, is another country where birth tourism is becoming more common. Thanks to its jus soli laws, any child born on Barbadian soil automatically becomes a citizen, offering them access to a Barbadian passport, which is a valuable asset for international travel, particularly within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Unlike larger countries with complex immigration processes, Barbados offers an attractive, easy-to-navigate option for parents looking to secure a second citizenship for their children. The country has relatively relaxed visa requirements and offers a more affordable option for families compared to places like the U.S. or Canada. Additionally, Barbados offers a relaxed lifestyle, a warm tropical climate, and an opportunity for families to explore an island paradise.

Although Barbados is not traditionally thought of as a hub for birth tourism, its legal framework and the appeal of living in a tropical, English-speaking environment are driving its rise as a destination for parents seeking to secure citizenship for their children.

Other Caribbean Destinations

In addition to Barbados, several other Caribbean nations offer jus soli policies, such as Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda. These countries have attracted a significant number of foreign nationals seeking citizenship for their children. Though smaller in scale, these nations offer the same benefits of automatic citizenship at birth and are part of the growing trend of birth tourism within the Caribbean region.

In the Caribbean, several small island nations, such as Barbados, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis, also offer birthright citizenship. These destinations are often considered for birth tourism because they offer easy access to Caribbean citizenship and, in some cases, dual citizenship options.

While Barbados is the most notable example, these small nations continue to attract attention for their jus soli policies, allowing children born on their soil to acquire citizenship automatically. This can provide families with long-term benefits, including access to regional mobility and international travel.

Why Is Birth Tourism Growing?

Birth tourism is driven by several factors, including:

• Global Mobility: Citizenship from countries like the U.S., Canada, or Brazil can offer visa-free travel and more opportunities for work and residency.
• Access to Better Services: Countries with strong healthcare, education, and social services are attractive to parents looking to give their children a better future.
• Political Stability and Security: Many families seek the stability that comes with citizenship in a country with a strong passport and secure political climate.

Conclusion: Birth Tourism’s Expanding Role in Global Travel

The rise of birth tourism in countries like the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Barbados highlights a growing trend among families seeking citizenship for their children in nations that offer birthright citizenship. While some countries are tightening regulations, the appeal of birthright citizenship remains strong, offering families greater mobility, security, and opportunity. As the global travel landscape continues to evolve, birth tourism will likely remain an important topic for both governments and travelers alike.