More Canucks cancelling U.S. travel plans but some snowbirds hope to continue

Friday marked the start of stricter rules for Canadians staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days. It’s just another factor to consider when heading south.

Stricter rules are now in effect for Canadians staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days and it’s just the latest hurdle for travellers.

“The (low) dollar is a big factor, but the unknown is the other factor,” said Albertan Dayle Johnson. “It’s hard to keep up to what’s really happening and what hoops Canadians may have to jump through the continue enjoying the snowbird life.”

She has been heading to Arizona for a few months of every year for more than two decades.

Now she and any Canadian over the age of 14 visiting the U.S. for more than 30 days has to register with U.S. immigration.

If you’re flying you will be handed the necessary form, but if you cross a land border you’ll need to register online with U.S. Department of Immigration Services.

Some travellers say that hasn’t been an issue -- but the the lower value of the loonie has had some snowbirds spreading their wings and heading for alternate winter destinations.

“We have three or four friends that sold their homes down here for that reason, but not because of immigration or political reasons.” said Albertans Dereck and Lori Wilson from their vacation home in Arizona.

Anywhere but America

Many Canucks are scrapping American travel plans since the start of the trade war.

Statistics Canada data shows the number of Canadians coming back from the U.S. in March fell nearly 32 per cent.

Return trips by air from the U.S. fell 13.5 per cent year-over-year.

It’s the third month in a row of these types of decline, according to Statistics Canada, and the biggest drop since the pandemic.

“A lot of Canadians are just not interested (in visiting the U.S.) at this point.” said immigration lawyer Ravi Jain.

Canada recently updated its advisory warning to Canadians travelling to America that they should expect scrutiny from border guards, including possible searches of their electronic devices --with the possibility of detention if denied entry.

“A lot of uncertainty,” said Jain who tells clients that the likelihood of actually having your phone searched is very low.

“Maybe some Canadians were born in Middle Eastern countries and there’s concerns about carrying evidence that they haven’t performed military service there.”

The founder of Jain Immigration Law said concerns about new U.S. policies have convinced some of his clients to avoid travelling there and others to choose air options.

“If a person is on Canadian soil they can leave pre-flight inspection whereas if you’re at a land border, tunnel or bridge you are going to physically cross over to the United States and potentially be subject to detention,” he said. “Though it’s unlikely… it’s still a fear people have.”

But many Canadians who’ve made second homes in the U.S. say they still feel safe and welcome, and many Americans are apologetic about the situation.

“I think they found out that we’re all kind of on the same page. Maybe it’s not really what they wanted to happen, but it’s what happening and we all have to buck up and try to work it through,” said Johnson,

Calgary Board of Education said it is not considering rescheduling U.S trips at this time. There are two schools scheduled to travel to California soon for music programs.

Calgary Catholic School Board said it considers all student international travel on a case-by-case basis.