Traveling internationally this summer? Here's what to know about crossing borders in the Trump era.
For non-citizens, the process is more fraught, with numerous reports of travelers being subject to denial, detention, or return to their point of origin, without clear explanation.
Advertisement
For New Englanders, the most popular foreign destination is Canada. But Trump administration tariff policies and talk about annexation of Canada have
If you are traveling abroad this summer, here are some things to know.
Are fewer American tourists traveling to Canada?
Yes, the number of motor vehicles entering Canada from the US in April dropped by more than 10 percent compared to last year, the third consecutive month of declines,
Are Canadians welcoming of American tourists?
Discreet American tourists may feel it best to leave behind their MAGA hats and skip comments about a 51st state. But, yes, Canadians seem
as welcoming as ever.
We miss you.
Come hug it out" in Canada.
Advertisement
Are there new requirements for Americans entering Canada?
No, it's unchanged and pretty simple. For American tourists, there's no need for a visa. (A visa is typically a stamp, sticker, or separate document placed in your passport that authorizes you to enter and stay temporarily in a country for tourism, work, or study.)
Is proof of identification required?
Yes, Canadian law requires proof of identity and citizenship. A passport or passport card satisfies both. But a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship, plus a government-issued photo ID, can also be used.
Vehicles cross the International Rainbow Bridge from Niagara Falls, N.Y., into Niagara Falls, Canada, in 2021, as seen from Canada.
TARA WALTON/NYT
Should I expect extra scrutiny entering the countries I plan to visit?
International terrorism remains a serious global threat,
The US and many other countries have increased security at borders, including more extensive checks and questioning of travelers. Every country decides who can enter through its borders, and border agents have significant discretion in making determinations. You should be calm, cooperative, and prepared, and provide accurate answers to questions.
When returning home, can customs agents demand and search my phone?
Customs agents have long had the legal authority to search you and your belongings without a warrant or any reasonable basis for being suspicious. CBP says its intent is to help combat terrorism, child pornography, drug smuggling, human smuggling, and other illegal activities.
Thus, agents are allowed to search your phone, laptop, tablet, camera, and other electronic devices. And that means agents could be scrolling through your text messages, photos, emails, apps, files, and social media accounts.
Advertisement
Do I have to unlock my phone and provide my laptop passwords if requested?
If you refuse to cooperate, US citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot legally be stopped from re-entering the US. But you undoubtedly will face delay and ultimately your electronic devices may be seized for continuing inspection (make sure to get a receipt if CBP takes your device). Visa holders and tourists from visa-waiver countries who decline to open their phones are at risk of being denied entry.
Are such searches common?
Preliminary CBP statistics show there has been no appreciable uptick in searches of electronic devices since the beginning of the current Trump administration.
How should the search be conducted?
The exact process is not spelled out, but
CBP says that if you have a concern at the border, ask to speak with the
Advertisement
Do I have the right to speak with an attorney?
Your right to an attorney depends on the level of questioning you face: If you are subjected to prolonged questioning you may have the right to an attorney (you may ask for a list of free legal service providers along with their phone numbers). And if you are detained you clearly have the right to speak with an attorney. But you don't have that right for preliminary questioning.
Can I contact a family member?
You have the right to contact a family member if you are detained or subjected to prolonged questioning.
Are foreign students studying in the US able to travel internationally?
The future of almost 300,000 Chinese nationals studying in the US is extremely uncertain in the wake of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement that the
Posters of US universities, including Harvard University, are seen on the wall at an overseas education agency in Beijing on May 29.
JADE GAO/AFP via Getty Images
What about searches entering other countries?
Check the local laws of your destination before you travel.
What is the six-month rule regarding passports?
Many countries, airlines, and border control agencies will not allow entry or boarding if your passport expires within six months of your travel dates. But Canada is not one of them. It generally requires only that passports be valid for the duration of your intended visit.
What is an ETA and do I need one to travel to Canada?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an electronic substitute for a visa. It's electronically linked to your passport and valid for up to five years or until your passport expires. It allows you to enter the country by air. US citizens traveling to Canada are exempt from the ETA requirement. (Canada has good reason to be accommodating: American visitors dominate the tourism industry in Canada, annually spending many billions of dollars.)
Advertisement
What about other countries?
An ETA is required for certain visitors to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (a.k.a. the United Kingdom); Australia; and New Zealand.
How do I get an ETA?
Search online for the details to make sure you are up to date on ETAs. But, mind you, don't assume you are on the official site of the country you plan to visit after doing a Google search.
Got a problem? Send your consumer issue to
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
30 minutes ago
- Newsweek
LA's Only Elected Republican Reacts to National Guard Troops, ICE Raids
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The only elected Republican in Los Angeles, Kathryn Barger, warned that there must be close coordination between federal, state, and local agencies if President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to quell the city's riots is to work. Her warning, in an email to Newsweek, comes as Trump clashes with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats, over his deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. Newsom and Bass oppose the moves, accusing the Republican president of fueling the disorder. Barger, a Los Angeles County Supervisor, is the sole Republican elected to office at the local government level in the LA area. There are no other Republicans on the LA County Board of Supervisors, and none at all elected to the LA City Council. She also called for "transparency, accountability, and respect" from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it conducts raids across LA, operations that sparked the unrest. Protests in the city against raids by ICE over the weekend have descended into riots and looting. The raids are part of the Trump Administration's effort to deport all illegal immigrants from the U.S., with an emphasis on violent criminals. Newsom and Bass said state and local authorities can handle the situation without National Guard troops. But Trump says he is reestablishing law and order after failures by local and state leadership. "The deployment of National Guard troops is a significant action that must be approached with great care and coordination," Barger told Newsweek. "While I understand the urgency that may prompt federal involvement, I believe any such deployment must be done in close partnership with state and local agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. "Effective use of this powerful resource depends on clear communication, mutual goals, and a unified command structure. "My focus remains on making sure that all efforts—federal, state, and local—are aligned to deliver real support where it's needed most." This picture taken on June 8, 2025 shows a protestor raising their fist while holding a Mexican flag in front of a Waymo vehicle that was set on fire during a demonstration following federal immigration... This picture taken on June 8, 2025 shows a protestor raising their fist while holding a Mexican flag in front of a Waymo vehicle that was set on fire during a demonstration following federal immigration operations in Los Angeles. More BLAKE FAGAN/AFP via Getty Image Barger also urged ICE to minimize "fear and disruption among law-abiding residents." "Immigration enforcement is a deeply complex and sensitive issue, especially in a diverse region like Los Angeles County," Barger told Newsweek. "Federal agencies like ICE are tasked with upholding the law and I believe it's critical that their operations are conducted with transparency, accountability, and respect for the communities they affect. "My priority is ensuring that all enforcement actions are carried out in a way that upholds public safety while minimizing fear and disruption among law-abiding residents. "Local and federal agencies must work together thoughtfully to maintain trust, protect civil liberties, and ensure due process is respected at every level." This is a developing article. Updates to follow.
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The S&P 500 Is Nearly at an All-Time High After Falling 19%. Here's What History Says the Stock Market Could Do Next.
Rebounds after past S&P 500 sell-offs of 19% or more have sometimes led to strong bull markets -- but not always. The big wild card today for the stock market is the outcome of President Trump's trade policy. However, history is on the side of long-term investors. 10 stocks we like better than S&P 500 Index › Imagine you're a modern-day version of Rip Van Winkle, but instead of sleeping for 20 years, you fell asleep in early January 2025 and woke up in early June. The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) would be a little higher than when you dozed off. You probably would think you didn't miss much, at least where the stock market is concerned. The reality, of course, is that a lot happened with stocks during the first five months of the year. The S&P 500 plunged roughly 19% below its high before rebounding strongly. The widely followed index is now near its all-time high. What does history say might be next for the stock market? The S&P 500 was introduced in its current form with 500 companies in March 1957. By my count, there have been a dozen times in the past when the index fell roughly as much as it did earlier this year. In three of those cases, the S&P 500 bounced back much more slowly than it has in recent months. For example, in late 1973 and early 1974, the index entered into a prolonged bear market, and the S&P didn't regain its previous high until 1980. Other extended downturns occurred in the early 2000s after the dot-com bubble burst, and the financial crisis of 2007 through 2009. The S&P 500 also fell sharply in 2022 and didn't fully recover until early 2024. The S&P 500 didn't immediately rebound several other times. The index's first steep sell-off in its current form provides a great case in point. The S&P briefly entered a bear market in 1957 and didn't fully claw its way back until September 1958. Similar trajectories occurred in 1962-1963 and 1966-1967. However, the S&P 500's resurgence was faster in other cases. For example, stocks plunged close to 25% in mid-1970, but by early 1971, the S&P regained its previous high. The index continued its momentum for a few months before becoming range-bound. The S&P 500 declined significantly in 1981 and 1982. Its rebound was especially strong, though, and led to a multiyear bull market. Likewise, the sell-off in 1990 set the stage for a quick comeback and roaring market throughout much of the next nine years. I think two historical precedents are especially noteworthy, and one occurred during the first Trump administration. The S&P 500 sank nearly 20% in 2018. President Trump's trade war with China was one of the key factors behind the decline. However, stocks soon rebounded and went on a tear in 2019 as trade worries subsided and the Federal Reserve cut interest rates. The stock market plunge resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 also looks similar in some ways to the S&P 500's performance this year. Stocks quickly sank but also quickly bounced back as investors saw opportunities to buy at a discount. There isn't a clear historical pattern for how the S&P 500 will perform after falling 19% or more. However, previous quick rebounds in the past, like the one we've seen in recent months, have often led to sustained momentum. The big wild card today is what will happen with President Trump's tariffs. If favorable trade deals are made with major trading partners, the S&P 500 should soar. I think a similar outcome is likely if the federal courts overturn the Trump administration's tariffs. On the other hand, should the president ultimately levy steep tariffs against China, the European Union, and other countries, the chances of another S&P 500 sell-off will be higher. The good news for investors, though, is that history looks very encouraging over the long term. The S&P 500 (and its predecessors) have delivered positive average annual returns in every rolling 20-year period since 1928. If you're a long-term investor, history is on your side. Before you buy stock in S&P 500 Index, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and S&P 500 Index wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $669,517!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $868,615!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 792% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 173% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025 Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The S&P 500 Is Nearly at an All-Time High After Falling 19%. Here's What History Says the Stock Market Could Do Next. was originally published by The Motley Fool
Indianapolis Star
32 minutes ago
- Indianapolis Star
These are four of Indiana's most treasured views. How to find and enjoy them
Outsiders might not associate the Crossroads of America with scenic beauty, but get beyond Hoosiers' Midwest modesty and Indianapolis residents will point you to some truly inspiring views in their home state. You can drive from Fremont in far northeast Indiana to Mount Vernon in the state's southwest in less than six hours, and there are ample day trips to be had in the spaces between. While not an exhaustive list of Indiana's most treasured places, these sites offer varied experiences that are all breathtaking in their own right. [ Most Treasured Views in America: National | West | South | Middle America | Northeast ] A day trip to scenic Brown County is a fall rite of passage for many Hoosiers. With acres of wooded hills, Indiana's "Little Smokies" offer a unique rural refuge only an hour's drive south of downtown Indianapolis. From Nashville's quaint shops and restaurants to Brown County State Park's numerous trails and views from its 90-foot fire tower, there are relaxing options for all abilities and interests. A five-minute drive north of Nashville on State Highway 135 will take drivers to the Bean Blossom Overlook, one of the best vistas for fall foliage peeping in the county. Explore our nation: Discover America's best hidden natural wonders: 12 breathtaking views to explore Brown County offers year-round cultural and recreational activities, but peak visiting season comes between October and early November when leaves from the region's American beech, sugar maple, black walnut, shagbark hickory and white ash turn vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red. Things to do: With sand between your toes, Lake Michigan gently lapping at its southern shore, and abundant birdwatching, Indiana Dunes National Park brings Hoosiers beach vibes without the full-day drive to Florida or the Carolinas. Dedicated as a national park in 2019, this 15-mile stretch of sandy beaches, rising dunes and wildlife-filled marshes is unlike anything else in Indiana. Today's dunes, a 2 ½-hour drive north of Indianapolis, are the result of more than a century of struggle to preserve this ecologically diverse stretch of lakeshore from development and decline. Best of the Midwest: Hidden gems and stunning views: 12 breathtaking landmarks to visit in Middle America Park explorers can learn about the dunes' shifting sands, Great Lakes ecosystem and more through interpretative offerings, or just kick back and enjoy some sand and sun on a hot summer day. Things to do: Buy a photo: Purchase select prints of Indiana Dunes National Park and other treasured views Indiana Dunes charges a $25 entrance fee per vehicle. America the Beautiful pass holders can enter for free. Learn more about the park, fees and activities at Few university campuses can claim to match the instantly recognizable grandeur of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend. The golden dome of the Main Building towers over a campus filled with iconography of the Catholic faith, Hoosier history and college football tradition. Campus explorers can find the Gothic-inspired Basilica of the Sacred Heart next to the Main Building, reflect at the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes, take in the famous mural of "Touchdown Jesus" on the Hesburgh Library and circle legendary Notre Dame Stadium on their own, or as part of one of the university's guided tours. Meanwhile, in West Lafayette: Purdue's 'Jedi Council Room' offers stunning campus view, study and meeting space Things to do: You didn't think we'd forget "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," did you? You don't have to be here on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend to enjoy Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A newly renovated museum, the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, and IndyCar Experience two-seat race car rides are among the diverse options to take in racing's hallowed grounds. But there's nothing else in the world like the moments before the Indianapolis 500, as more than 300,000 fans gather for "(Back Home Again in) Indiana," the national anthem and military flyover, and the unmistakable roar after "Gentlemen, start your engines!" Race fans can enter the grounds and browse the IMS Museum's gift shop for free outside of event days, or pay to attend any number of events on the track. Outside of the Indy 500, the annual IMS schedule stretches into October, with NASCAR's Brickyard 400, the Battle on the Bricks, and the Indy 8 Hour Intercontinental GT Challenge among the late summer and early fall offerings. Things to do:
