Karmactive Staff
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Canada, its fourth travel warning this June. This “Exercise Normal Precautions” rating means Canada remains a safe destination for American travelers, though specific concerns are highlighted.
Wildfires top the list of concerns for Americans visiting Canada. The advisory notes that wildfires commonly occur in forested and grassland regions from May to September. The 2024 season was particularly severe, with record-breaking fires affecting all 13 Canadian provinces and territories.
“We urge U.S. citizens visiting or living in Canada to be aware of wildfire conditions in their area and follow guidance from local authorities,” states the advisory issued on June 11.
For travelers heading to Canada, the State Department recommends several precautionary steps. These include dialing 911 for emergency assistance, reviewing the Crisis and Disaster Abroad page, following Canadian government guidance on wildfire safety, and checking the CDC’s travel health information.
Meanwhile, Canada maintains a similar Level 1 advisory for the United States but has recently added specific warnings. The Canadian guidance highlights demonstrations and curfews in cities like Los Angeles, along with elevated crime levels in certain border states with Mexico and urban centers.
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A point of tension between the two countries involves Canadian warnings about “scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices.” U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra has pushed back against these concerns.
“Searching devices and all of that is not a well-founded fear. We don’t do that. America is a welcoming place,” Hoekstra said in a recent interview. He described any negative experiences as “isolated events” rather than a pattern.
The ambassador also noted that some Americans have reported similar issues when entering Canada. In response, the Canada Border Services Agency stated that its officers follow a strict code of conduct requiring them to treat everyone equally.
“Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a way that upholds the values of integrity, respect and professionalism at all times,” a CBSA spokesperson said.
These travel advisories appear to be affecting tourism between the neighboring countries. Airlines have reportedly cut flights due to dropping demand, with Flight Centre Travel Group Canada noting a nearly 40% decrease in flights between the two countries in February compared to last year.
Public perception also plays a role. A Leger survey for the Association for Canadian Studies found that 52% of Canadian respondents feel “it is no longer safe for all Canadians travelling to the United States,” with only 29% disagreeing.
Other countries receiving U.S. travel advisories in June include Poland, Qatar, and Thailand. The State Department’s most severe warning (Level 4: Do Not Travel) was last issued for Somalia on May 14, citing concerns about crime, terrorism, and civil unrest.
For complete and updated travel advisory information, travelers can visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website.
