The U.S. ambassador to Canada is refuting Ottawa’s travel advisory, emphasizing that phone searches do not occur at the border and asserting that some Americans face challenges when traveling to Canada.
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra stated in an interview with The Canadian Press that they welcome Canadian visitors to invest and support U.S. businesses with their Canadian currency. He acknowledged isolated instances of Canadians encountering issues when entering the United States but dismissed them as uncommon occurrences rather than a systematic problem.
In April, the Canadian government updated its guidance for citizens traveling to the U.S., cautioning them about potential detention upon entry and advising them to anticipate scrutiny, including electronic device inspections.
Reports have surfaced of increased scrutiny at the border, including phone searches and detainments of Canadian travelers. Hoekstra countered these concerns, stating that fears of device searches are unsubstantiated and that the U.S. maintains a welcoming environment.
Addressing reciprocal concerns, Hoekstra mentioned that some Americans have also raised issues about their experiences at Canadian customs, expressing dissatisfaction with the reception they received. While acknowledging complaints from American travelers about the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), he suggested that isolated incidents might have led to such experiences.
The CBSA responded by affirming its commitment to treating all individuals equally and investigating any complaints of mistreatment. They emphasized upholding values of integrity, respect, and professionalism in their interactions with the public.
Hoekstra emphasized that the decision to travel to the U.S. rests with the individual and highlighted the attractions and opportunities available in America. He referenced CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour’s recent positive encounter upon entering the U.S., despite initial concerns.
In response to decreased demand, airlines have reduced flights between Canada and the U.S., with Flight Centre Travel Group Canada reporting a significant decline in cross-border flights. A survey conducted in May revealed that a majority of respondents feel that traveling to the U.S. is no longer safe for Canadians, with a notable portion expressing feelings of unwelcome.
Certain 2SLGBTQ+ groups have opted out of attending events in the U.S., citing border scrutiny and the Trump administration’s rollback of protections for transgender and non-binary individuals as reasons for their decision.