RCIC News. 
New border rules are catching Canadian travelers completely unprepared
On This Page You Will Find:
- Critical flooding alerts affecting 6 California counties that could disrupt your trip
- New biometric photo requirements now capturing ALL ages at every border crossing
- Device screening protocols and how to protect yourself during inspections
- Documentation you need to prove your trip is legitimate and temporary
- Extended stay rules that kick in after 30 days (with penalties for non-compliance)
Summary:
If you're planning a US trip in 2026, the rules have fundamentally changed. From mandatory biometric photos for children and seniors to device searches at every crossing, plus new registration requirements for stays over 30 days, these aren't minor tweaks—they're major policy shifts that caught most Canadians off guard. The biggest surprise? Most of these "2026 rules" actually took effect in late 2025, meaning you need to adjust your travel plans immediately. Whether you're a snowbird heading south or planning a family vacation, these changes will directly impact your border experience, travel timeline, and required documentation.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Biometric photos are now mandatory for ALL ages at entry and exit (effective December 26, 2025)
- California's emergency declaration affects 6 counties with ongoing flooding and mudslide risks
- Device searches are increasingly common—put phones in airplane mode before reaching border
- Stays over 30 days now require USCIS registration with penalties for non-compliance
- Bring proof of Canadian ties, accommodation details, and sufficient funds for every trip
Picture this: The Johnson family from Toronto arrives at the Peace Bridge crossing, excited for their Disney World vacation. But instead of the usual quick passport check, they're asked to step aside for photos—including their 8-year-old daughter. Their phones are inspected. They're questioned about their hotel booking, asked to prove they have enough money, and required to show employment letters. What should have been a 10-minute crossing turns into an hour-long ordeal.
This scenario is becoming the new normal for Canadian travelers in 2026, and if you're not prepared, you could face similar delays—or worse, denied entry.
The landscape of US-Canada border crossings has shifted dramatically, with five major rule changes that every Canadian needs to understand before their next trip south. These aren't minor policy adjustments; they represent the most significant overhaul of border procedures in decades.
The California Emergency That's Disrupting Travel Plans
Let's start with the most immediate concern: California is in crisis mode. On December 24, 2025, the state declared an emergency across six counties due to severe flooding and mudslides that have already disrupted thousands of travel plans.
The affected counties include Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta—essentially covering the entire Southern California region where millions of Canadians vacation each year. Downtown Los Angeles just experienced its wettest Christmas in 54 years, and meteorologists are predicting more severe weather through early 2026.
What this means for your travel:
- Flight delays and cancellations at LAX, San Diego, and other major airports
- Highway closures affecting popular driving routes from Canada
- Hotel evacuations in flood-prone areas
- Disrupted essential services including power, water, and telecommunications
Sarah Mitchell from Vancouver learned this the hard way when her family's Disneyland trip was derailed by mudslides that closed Interstate 5. "We had no idea the situation was so serious," she told me. "Our hotel was evacuated, flights were cancelled, and we ended up stuck in LA for three extra days."
Your action plan:
- Monitor local emergency alerts continuously if traveling to these counties
- Build flexibility into your reservations—many hotels are waiving change fees
- Avoid driving through flood zones, even if water appears shallow
- Keep emergency supplies in your rental car if driving through affected areas
The Biometric Photo Revolution: No More Age Exemptions
Here's the change that's catching most Canadian families completely off guard: mandatory biometric photos for everyone, regardless of age.
The new rule took effect on December 26, 2025, and eliminates the previous exemptions for children under 14 and adults over 79. This means your toddler, your teenager, and your grandparents will all be photographed at both entry and exit points.
The expansion covers all entry points:
- Airport immigration counters
- Land border crossings like Rainbow Bridge and Peace Arch
- Seaports including ferry terminals
- Any other authorized crossing point
Why families are struggling with this change: The biggest challenge isn't the photos themselves—it's the time they add to border crossings. What used to be a quick passport scan now involves positioning each family member for photos, dealing with young children who may be scared or uncooperative, and managing the technical glitches that seem to plague new systems.
Mark Chen from Calgary experienced this firsthand during a recent Seattle trip: "Our 3-year-old was terrified of the camera setup, and the system kept rejecting my 75-year-old father's photo because of his glasses. What should have been a 5-minute crossing took 45 minutes."
Smart preparation strategies:
- Explain the process to children beforehand so they're not frightened
- Remove hats, sunglasses, and scarves before reaching the booth
- Expect longer wait times, especially during peak travel periods
- Don't schedule tight connections—allow extra buffer time
Device Searches: Your Phone Isn't Private at the Border
This is where things get really personal. US border agents now routinely examine electronic devices, and they can legally demand access to your phone, laptop, tablet, or any other electronic device.
The scope of these searches is broader than many Canadians realize. Agents can:
- Scroll through your photos and videos
- Read your text messages and emails
- Check your social media accounts
- Review your browsing history
- Access cloud-stored data if your device is connected
The airplane mode strategy: Canadian government guidance specifically recommends putting devices in airplane mode before reaching the border. This prevents agents from accessing cloud-stored data remotely and limits their search to what's physically stored on your device.
But here's what the official guidance doesn't tell you: refusing to unlock your device can result in its seizure and, for non-US citizens, potential denial of entry. You're essentially choosing between your privacy and your vacation.
Practical protection steps:
- Back up important data and remove sensitive files before traveling
- Consider bringing a "travel phone" with minimal personal information
- Keep devices charged—a dead phone creates unnecessary suspicion
- Never argue with border agents; compliance is your safest option
Proving Your Trip Is Legitimate: The Documentation Game
Gone are the days when a passport and a smile were enough. Border agents are now requiring detailed proof that your trip is temporary and legitimate.
You may be asked to provide:
- Employment verification: Recent pay stub, employment letter, or business card
- Residence proof: Lease agreement, mortgage statement, or utility bill
- Financial evidence: Bank statements or credit card limits showing you can afford the trip
- Accommodation details: Hotel confirmations with full addresses and phone numbers
- Return travel plans: Round-trip tickets or detailed driving itinerary
Red flags that trigger extra questioning:
- Vague return plans or one-way tickets
- Carrying work equipment without clear business documentation
- Mentioning you might "look for work" or "see what opportunities exist"
- Inconsistent stories between travel companions
- Insufficient funds for the stated trip duration
Jennifer Walsh from Ottawa learned this lesson during a recent Miami trip: "I mentioned I was 'taking a break between jobs' and suddenly I was in secondary inspection for two hours. They wanted proof I had a job to return to, bank statements, and a detailed day-by-day itinerary."
Your documentation checklist:
- Recent employment letter on company letterhead
- Bank statement from the last 30 days
- Hotel booking confirmations with full contact information
- Return flight or clear driving route home
- Travel insurance documentation
The 30-Day Trap: Registration Requirements Most Canadians Don't Know About
Here's the rule change that could cost you serious money and legal trouble: any Canadian staying in the US for more than 30 days must now register with USCIS using Form G-325R.
This particularly affects:
- Snowbirds spending winter months in Florida, Arizona, or California
- Extended family visits during summer breaks
- Remote workers taking "workations" in warmer climates
- RV travelers doing cross-country road trips
The registration process involves:
- Creating an online USCIS account
- Completing detailed personal and travel information
- Providing biometric data at designated locations
- Paying associated fees (currently around $85)
The penalty trap: Here's what makes this particularly dangerous: the penalties for non-compliance are severe and can affect future travel to the US. We're talking about potential bans, fines, and permanent records that follow you for years.
Robert and Linda Thompson from Winnipeg discovered this during their annual Arizona stay: "We'd been snowbirding for 15 years without any issues. Nobody told us about the new registration requirement until we were trying to extend our stay and suddenly faced a $500 fine and threat of deportation."
Your compliance strategy:
- If your trip might exceed 30 days, research requirements before traveling
- Register early in your trip, not when you're approaching the deadline
- Keep detailed records of all compliance steps
- Don't assume children are automatically exempt from these requirements
Your Pre-Travel Action Plan
Before you pack your bags, work through this essential checklist:
For every US trip:
- Prepare for biometric photos at both entry and exit
- Put all devices in airplane mode before reaching border inspection
- Carry physical proof of Canadian ties, accommodation, and sufficient funds
- Have a clear, consistent story about your trip purpose and duration
- Allow extra time for new screening procedures
For California destinations:
- Check emergency alerts for your specific counties and routes
- Avoid flood-prone areas and have backup accommodation plans
- Monitor weather forecasts and road conditions daily
- Keep emergency supplies if driving through affected regions
For extended stays (over 30 days):
- Research USCIS registration requirements well before departure
- Budget for registration fees and potential biometric appointments
- Keep meticulous records of entry dates and compliance steps
- Don't wait until the 30-day mark to begin the registration process
What This Means for Your Family's Future Travel
These changes represent more than temporary policy adjustments—they signal a fundamental shift toward more intensive border security that's likely to become even more stringent over time.
The days of spontaneous cross-border trips are largely over. Today's US travel requires the kind of preparation you'd typically associate with international destinations much further from home. But with proper planning and realistic expectations, Canadian families can still enjoy their American adventures.
The key is understanding that the border experience has permanently changed. What used to be a brief inconvenience is now a detailed screening process that demands your time, patience, and thorough preparation.
Start planning your 2026 US travel with these new realities in mind, and you'll avoid the stress, delays, and potential entry denials that are catching thousands of unprepared Canadian travelers off guard.
FAQ
Q: Do Canadian children and seniors really need biometric photos now when crossing the US border?
Yes, absolutely. Starting December 26, 2025, ALL Canadian travelers regardless of age must provide biometric photos at both entry and exit points. This eliminates previous exemptions for children under 14 and adults over 79. The process covers every type of crossing including airports, land borders like Rainbow Bridge, and ferry terminals. Parents should prepare children beforehand since the camera setup can be intimidating for young kids. Remove hats, glasses, and scarves before reaching the booth, and expect significantly longer wait times—what used to be a 5-minute crossing can now take 45 minutes or more. This isn't optional; it's mandatory for entry into the United States. Plan extra buffer time for flights and don't schedule tight connections immediately after border crossings.
Q: Can US border agents really search through my phone and personal data?
Yes, US border agents have broad legal authority to search electronic devices including phones, laptops, and tablets. They can scroll through photos, read text messages and emails, check social media accounts, review browsing history, and access cloud-stored data if your device is connected. The Canadian government specifically recommends putting devices in airplane mode before reaching the border to prevent access to cloud data. However, refusing to unlock your device can result in seizure and potential denial of entry for non-US citizens. To protect yourself, back up and remove sensitive files before traveling, consider bringing a "travel phone" with minimal personal information, keep devices charged (dead phones create suspicion), and never argue with agents. Compliance is your safest option, even though it compromises privacy.
Q: What documentation do I need to prove my US trip is temporary and legitimate?
Border agents now routinely require detailed proof beyond just a passport. You should carry: a recent employment letter on company letterhead or pay stub, proof of Canadian residence like lease agreements or utility bills, bank statements from the last 30 days showing sufficient funds, hotel confirmations with full addresses and contact information, and clear return travel plans. Red flags that trigger extra questioning include vague return plans, one-way tickets, mentioning you might "look for work," inconsistent stories between travel companions, or insufficient funds for your stated trip duration. The key is having a clear, consistent story about your trip purpose and timeline. Don't mention anything about potential work opportunities or extended stays unless you have proper documentation. Keep all documents easily accessible and organized.
Q: What are the new registration requirements for stays over 30 days, and what happens if I don't comply?
Any Canadian staying in the US for more than 30 days must now register with USCIS using Form G-325R. This particularly affects snowbirds, extended family visitors, remote workers, and RV travelers. The process involves creating an online USCIS account, completing detailed personal and travel information, providing biometric data at designated locations, and paying fees (currently around $85). The penalties for non-compliance are severe and can affect future US travel, including potential bans, fines, and permanent records. You must register early in your trip, not when approaching the deadline. Don't assume children are exempt from these requirements. Keep detailed records of all compliance steps. If your trip might exceed 30 days, research requirements before traveling and budget for registration fees and potential biometric appointments.
Q: How are the California flooding emergencies affecting Canadian travelers right now?
California declared an emergency on December 24, 2025, across six counties due to severe flooding and mudslides: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta. This covers most of Southern California where millions of Canadians vacation. Downtown LA just experienced its wettest Christmas in 54 years, with more severe weather predicted through early 2026. Travelers are experiencing flight delays and cancellations at major airports, highway closures affecting driving routes from Canada, hotel evacuations in flood-prone areas, and disrupted essential services. If traveling to these areas, monitor local emergency alerts continuously, build flexibility into reservations (many hotels are waiving change fees), avoid driving through flood zones even if water appears shallow, and keep emergency supplies in rental cars. The situation is ongoing and requires daily monitoring of conditions.
Q: How much extra time should I allow for border crossings with these new rules?
Plan for significantly longer crossing times due to mandatory biometric photos for all ages, potential device searches, and documentation verification. What used to be a 5-10 minute crossing can now take 45 minutes to over an hour, especially for families with children or seniors. At airports, arrive at least 3 hours early for international flights instead of the standard 2 hours. For land crossings, avoid peak travel times when possible and don't schedule tight connections or reservations immediately after crossing. The biometric photo process alone adds substantial time, particularly when dealing with uncooperative children or technical glitches with the new systems. Device searches can add another 15-30 minutes if selected. Document verification varies but can extend processing significantly if agents have questions about your trip legitimacy. Always build buffer time into your travel plans.
Q: What should I do if I'm selected for secondary inspection or device search?
Remain calm and cooperative—arguing or showing frustration will only make the situation worse. For device searches, unlock your device when requested (refusal can result in denial of entry), but remember you previously put it in airplane mode to limit cloud access. Answer questions honestly and consistently, provide any requested documentation promptly, and never volunteer information beyond what's asked. If traveling with family, ensure everyone tells the same story about trip purpose and plans. Keep important documents organized and easily accessible. Don't take photos or use your phone during secondary inspection unless specifically permitted. The process can take 1-3 hours, so inform anyone picking you up about potential delays. Remember that cooperation, while inconvenient, is your best strategy for completing the crossing successfully and avoiding future travel complications.