Trump says Canadians will travel to the U.S. again post-deal

(UNITED STATES) President Trump said Canadians will return to the United States once a new trade deal is reached, after a sharp drop in visits this year tied to tariffs and rising tensions at the border. His remarks followed a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where he acknowledged that many Canadians travel less to the U.S. now but predicted a rebound when trade talks conclude. “It’s something that will get worked out… They’ll come back,” he said.

Canada’s national statistical office reports a steep pullback in 2025: a 23% decrease in Canadian visits to the U.S. during the first seven months of the year compared with 2024. Travel industry groups say families have canceled road trips and long weekend getaways, while businesses have postponed in-person meetings.

The falloff follows repeated public barbs—such as labeling Canada a “51st state”—and sector-specific tariffs, including 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which strained ties and fueled consumer boycotts.

Trade talks and policy stance

Trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa are still in motion. Trump has signaled he’s open to revisiting the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or pursuing separate deals with Canada and Mexico. Canadian officials have pressed for relief from the U.S. tariffs and a steadier policy environment before the winter travel season, when snowbird trips and cross-border shopping usually rise.

Both sides describe the talks as active, with a shared aim of a mutually acceptable trade deal. Canadian officials say they want practical improvements at ports of entry and a pause on new tariffs, which have been a lightning rod for public opinion.

“It’s something that will get worked out… They’ll come back,” —President Trump, after meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

Economic and travel impacts of the slump

The downturn in Canadians’ travel to the U.S. has visible ripple effects:

• Border towns report fewer shoppers at outlet malls.
• Airlines and bus lines have trimmed schedules on some cross-border routes.
• Tourism operators in Florida and Arizona say bookings by Canadian snowbirds are slower than normal.
• Conference planners note weaker Canadian attendance at U.S. events.
• Some Canadian companies have shifted meetings to virtual formats or neutral locations.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the tariffs battle and sharper rhetoric created a “trust gap” that reaches beyond trade; it now touches family visits, university tours, and joint business planning. If a trade deal is announced with clear tariff relief, analysts expect a lift in sentiment—often the first step before trips are booked again.

Trump’s promise that Canadians will “come back” aims to reassure border communities and U.S. businesses that rely on Canadian customers. Still, the timing depends on what the trade deal contains and whether Ottawa sees enough progress to soften travel advisories.

Travel advisories and entry rules

Canadian government travel advisories grew more cautionary in 2025. Officials warn about:

• Stricter U.S. border enforcement
• Anti-immigration policies
• A new online registration requirement for Canadians entering by land if they plan to stay longer than 30 days
• Increased scrutiny and potential termination of visa status for those living in the U.S. on temporary or permanent visas, if violations or changes in eligibility are found
• Risks specifically highlighted for LGBTQ+ travelers

While cross-border dynamics are tense, the core entry rules for most Canadian visitors remain stable. Key points include:

• Canadians can visit the U.S. for up to six months without a visa, but they must tell the officer how long they plan to stay when they arrive.
• Canadians entering by land for more than 30 days must register online with U.S. immigration authorities before or at the time of entry.
• U.S. officers can review and terminate visas for a range of reasons, including status violations or later reassessment of eligibility.
• The Trump administration’s expanded travel ban does not apply to Canadian citizens, though it affects nationals of 19 other countries and may indirectly shape border screening.

For official rules on entry and inspection, travelers can review U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance for international visitors. Officers at land ports and airports may ask about purpose of travel, length of stay, and ties to Canada, so carrying proof of return plans—such as a round-trip ticket, work letter, or school schedule—can help.

Practical tips for Canadian travelers

Policy experts say fast, clear wins in the trade deal—especially rolling back certain tariffs—could jumpstart sentiment. A public reset could encourage families to plan winter trips, help small retailers in border towns, and boost convention bookings.

In the meantime, Canadian travelers can reduce hassles by preparing:

1. Bring a valid passport and be ready to explain the visit.
2. Carry proof of funds and ties to Canada (employment letter, mortgage or lease, school enrollment).
3. If entering by land for a stay longer than 30 days, complete any required registration tied to that stay.
4. LGBTQ+ travelers should check the latest advisory language and plan routes and accommodations accordingly.
5. Those with any U.S. immigration status should keep documents current and follow all terms, since status can be reviewed at any time.

Business travel and local economies

Business travelers face special headwinds:

• Some Canadian firms are pausing U.S. trips until a trade deal clarifies whether tariffs will ease.
• Others worry that shifting rules could affect their staff’s treatment at the border.
• Industry groups are urging a predictable inspection process, better coordination on new registration rules, and clear public messaging once an agreement is reached.

The stakes are high for both countries’ local economies. In a typical year, Canadian visitors boost hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and retail across dozens of states. The current weakness in Canadians’ travel hurts seasonal workers and family-run shops that plan around cross-border traffic.

If a trade deal restores confidence, those dollars can flow quickly, because leisure visits and shopping trips are easier to schedule than factory investments or supply chain moves.

Diplomatic tone and what to watch

Diplomats on both sides say the basic relationship remains strong despite the tariffs fight. Trump emphasized “great love between the two countries,” while Canadian officials point to long ties in trade, culture, and defense.

Still, both sides note that words matter when people decide where to spend their time and money. A calm phase-in of any new rules, paired with clear statements from leaders, could help turn the page.

The broader travel ban (which does not cover Canadians) can still influence screening patterns and wait times. Dual nationals or travelers with family from affected countries may face extra questions. Being prepared with documents can shorten inspections and reduce stress.

Border policy watchers will track whether Ottawa eases its advisories after a trade deal. If the U.S. scales back tariffs and tones down confrontational language, Canadian officials could respond by softening their guidance. That, in turn, might encourage hesitant travelers to book winter getaways or spring break trips, giving airlines and hotels enough time to rebuild schedules.

Bottom line — current guidance for travelers

• Keep documents in order and check advisories close to your trip.
• Expect firm questions at inspection and be ready to show proof of return plans and ties to Canada.
• If trade talks deliver, the recovery in Canadians’ travel could start with families visiting friends, bargain hunters crossing by car, and snowbirds finally booking their stays.