The United States has introduced stricter entry requirements for Canadian visitors, mandating registration for those staying beyond 30 days. According to the Federal Register on Wednesday, the new rule will take effect on April 11, enforcing an existing law that had previously been loosely applied to Canadians.
This change is expected to impact nearly 900,000 “snowbirds”—Canadians who spend their winters in warmer US states like Florida, Texas, and South Carolina.
The decision comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between the two countries. On the same day, the US imposed fresh 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, adding to the economic strain on Canada.
Compounding the friction, President Donald Trump has repeatedly made controversial remarks suggesting Canada should become the 51st US state—a statement some Canadians perceive as an annexation threat.
The Department of Homeland Security estimates that between 2.2 million and 3.2 million people will be affected by the new registration policy, further tightening the US-Canada border relationship.
