Canada updates US travel advisory again: Expect scrutiny, phones can be checked

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Canada has again updated its travel advisory for the United States, including a warning to prospective travelers that they should be prepared for scrutiny from border patrol officers. The updated advisory says US authorities can check electronic devices like phones and laptops. “Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry. you could be detained while awaiting deportation,” the new advice read.

This is the second major update of Canada’s travel rules for the US. The first came as the US made it mandatory for all Canadians staying in the US for more than 30 days to register with the US administration. This new rule is effective from April 11.

The mandatory registration rules come from an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on his first day in office, directing the Department of Homeland Security to ensure non-citizens comply with the Immigration and Nationality Act. The law requires “all aliens 14 years of age or older who were not registered and fingerprinted (if required) when applying for a US visa and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer” to do so, according to the USCIS website. Parents and legal guardians of children under 14 must make sure they are registered.

Before the new rule came into effect, Canada added a warning about the stricter border checks.

“Individual border agents often have significant discretion in making those determinations. US authorities strictly enforce entry requirements. Expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices. Comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities. If you are denied entry, you could be detained while awaiting deportation,” the new update said. “We have obtained the information on this page from the US authorities. It can, however, change at any time.”

Amid the deteriorating relationships between the US and Canada that increased checks onthe US-Canada border, Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney was detained by ICE and was kept in ICE custody for 12 days. She said she went to the border to renew her visa but was detained instead, though she told the officials that she did not mean to enter the country illegally.

As immigration officials are entitled to confiscate phones and laptops and check social media accounts of individuals entering the US, lawyers in Canada advised that Canadians should keep a burner phone with them while traveling to the US and keep their original phone at home.

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