This year, Thanksgiving travel is causing more stress than usual for Americans. The government shutdown is ongoing, increasing the risk of flight disruptions for Thanksgiving. The White House has issued a stern warning about Thanksgiving flight disruptions, calling for a resolution to end the shutdown once and for all.
Not only is this a factor for Canadians looking to visit the United States, but other uncertainties have also piled up.
Canadian snowbirds were recently charged $30 for fingerprints and photos at the U.S. border. This heightened Canadians’ fears about rising costs when visiting the U.S., a concern that was further exacerbated by the political tension that has kept many Canadians away from the U.S. throughout the year.
Last year, things were very different ahead of Thanksgiving.
Here’s a closer look at the advisories issued for Thanksgiving travel the previous year, and how they evolved this year.
The Canadian Government Issued Basic Tips For Thanksgiving Travel To The United States Last Year
It was clearly a different time last year for Canadians traveling to the United States on Thanksgiving. Just ahead of the busy Thanksgiving week, Canada’s Border Service Agency issued tips to Canadians on smoother travel at the border during both Black Friday and the Thanksgiving long weekend.
Among the main advisories was asking Canadians to check border wait times and expect delays.
The CBSA advised Canadians to cross during the early mornings to avoid wait times.
They added, “The Monday of holiday long weekends tend to be the busiest. Consider an alternative port of entry with shorter wait times or less traffic.”
Due to political tensions and rising costs, wait times will be much shorter than in the past couple of years.
However, a wait time is still expected, especially at Ontario’s U.S. borders.
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Canada Border Services Agency’s Tips For Thanksgiving Travel To The U.S. Last Year: |
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Be prepared to declare. |
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Have your receipts readily available for the officer. |
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Have your travel documents handy. |
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Avoid restricted and prohibited goods. |
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Check the port of entry’s hours of operation. |
The Canadian government has issued numerous new advisories since then, especially for Canadians on what they can expect from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
It is clear that the times have changed significantly for travel to the United States since last Thanksgiving.
The Canadian Government Has Added Plenty Of New Advisories For Travel To The United States Since Then
The overall precaution for travel to the United States has stayed the same. The Canadian government advises travelers to “take normal security precautions.”
However, significant changes have taken place since last year.
Among them includes some potential entry and exit requirements, including phone searches.
The Canadian government wrote, “U.S. border agents are entitled to search for your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States. They don’t need to provide a reason when requesting a password to open your device.”
“If you refuse, they may seize your device. The border agent could also delay your travel or deny entry if you are not a U.S. citizen.
The Canadian government also issued a warning about biometrics. The advisory reminds Canadians that most U.S. airports use facial technology to verify their identification.
Additionally, the Canadian government warned that digital fingerprints may be required. This advisory is especially relevant in the current context, after two Canadian snowbirds were fingerprinted and photographed at the U.S. border upon entry for the first time and charged $30 for the process.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed the charge and has called this procedure “standard.” Canadians are told to travel to the United States as they usually would, but to be prepared for potential changes.
The U.S. Government Has Fears Of Its Own As Thanksgiving Looms And The Shutdown Continues
Not only do Canadians have uncertainties about traveling to the United States due to rising costs and political tension, but there’s also the government shutdown factor. This is leading to rising tension within the United States over the uncertainty of what travel may look like come Thanksgiving.
The White House has issued several warnings over the holiday season in recent days and weeks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that holiday delays and cancellations at airports across the United States may become a reality on Thanksgiving.
“With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, we are approaching the busiest travel period of the entire year, when millions of Americans will go to airports to spend time with their loved ones.”
“Let us be very clear from the White House today. If the Democrats continue to keep the government closed, we fear there will be significant flight delays, disruptions and cancellations in major airports across the country this holiday season.”
Air travel was a major reason the shutdown ended the last time. It may be the pivotal factor once again as Thanksgiving and Christmas loom closer.
