Traveling internationally this summer? Here's what to know about crossing borders in the Trump era.

Boston Globe

03-06-2025

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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.)
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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.
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