Canada Updates Travel Advisories for the US and China

The Government of Canada has updated travel advisories for Canadians travelling to the US and China, amid recent tensions with both countries.

Ottawa has warned travellers who stay in the United States for more than 30 days to make sure they register as required under the recently announced “alien registration” rule and travellers to China who are dual citizens are being encouraged to use their Canadian passport for entry.

The US advisory follows news earlier this month that Canadians – many of whom are snowbirds and own property in the country – must register if they are planning to stay longer than 30 days. The new rule is expected to take effect April 11. The change comes during a time when US tariffs and talks of annexation threaten both countries’ economy and relationship. The advisory states that “failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution.”

For more information on the US advisory, click here.

The China advisory follows news from Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly that the country had executed four Canadian nationals in recent months. The updated advisory warned that Canadians should exercise “a high degree of caution” in China, due to “the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” China doesn’t recognize dual citizenships and Canadians entering on a Chinese passport or identity card may be denied access to Canadian consular services.

The advisory says that in China there are severe punishments, even for non-violent acts such as financial crimes. Chinese authorities may also apply the death penalty for crimes deemed serious, including drug offences. There is also the possibility of an exit ban, which travellers may only learn about going through customs and immigration controls when trying to leave China.

For more information on the China advisory, click here.