New U.S. travel regulations, set to take effect in April, are causing concern among Canadian travelers, especially amid rising tensions between the two countries.
Tanya Pallopson, visiting from Ontario, expressed her shock.
"It’s just shocking that this is what we’re having to deal with now. It’s never been a thought in our minds before coming to the U.S. And I don’t think we’ll be back for a long time," Pallopson said.
For years, Canadians have freely visited the U.S. without needing to register their presence, but new rules now require Canadians staying 30 days or more to register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Starting April 11, travelers 14 and older will also need to be fingerprinted. This has already led many Canadians to rethink their trips and even consider selling their winter homes in the U.S.
Ashley Walsh, another Canadian visitor, shared her concerns about the changes.
“It really affects them because they now have to register and let the U.S. government know where they’re going to be and how long they’ll stay. That kind of weirds them out a little bit,” she said about her family living in Naples.
Some Canadians are even considering canceling their visits or selling their homes due to the uncertainty surrounding these new rules.
These changes follow growing political tensions between the U.S. and Canada, especially related to ongoing tariffs.
“Americans and Canadians have always gotten along so well, and it’s not the American people. But I can’t support what’s happening politically," Pallopson said.
The U.S. federal register posted the new travel rule this past Wednesday. Starting next month, Canadians will no longer need a visa but will have to submit a federal form online before entering the U.S.