After US Issuing Restrictions: Canada Alerts Citizens Over Passport Issues
After US issuing new policies that impact nonbinary and transgender individuals, the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory warning that citizens holding passports with the “X” gender marker could face difficulties entering the United States. The notice, released by Global Affairs Canada, comes amid a shift in US immigration and passport policies under President Donald Trump, who has reinforced a binary view of gender since returning to office.
The advisory cautions that while Canada officially recognizes the “X” gender identifier and issues passports accordingly, other countries may not do the same. “While the Government of Canada issues passports with an ‘X’ gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries,” the notice said. It further warned that citizens “might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the ‘X’ gender identifier.”
After US Issuing Travel Restrictions: Policy Changes Spark Concerns
The warning follows a series of moves by the US administration that have targeted nonbinary and transgender rights. Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has repeatedly emphasized a strict two-gender definition, declaring during his inaugural speech that there are “only two sexes, male and female.” This stance has shaped recent policy decisions, including an executive order that aimed to stop the US State Department from issuing passports with the “X” marker or for individuals whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth.
Although a court injunction has temporarily blocked the order, the Trump administration attempted to overturn the decision an appeal that was rejected by a US federal court earlier this month. The situation remains uncertain, but legal experts say it signals potential complications for travelers with gender-neutral documentation, especially at US border checkpoints.
Between 2019 and 2024, the Canadian government issued around 3,400 passports featuring the “X” gender identifier. The new advisory is the first of its kind from Ottawa, highlighting the growing legal and logistical challenges faced by gender-diverse travelers amid shifting international policies.
After US Issuing Orders: Rising Concerns Over Gender Rights
Advocates and legal experts say the current developments reflect a broader rollback of protections for LGBTQ+ and nonbinary individuals in the United States. The restriction on “X” passports is part of a wider set of policies that have limited rights and recognition for gender-diverse people in public services, education, and healthcare. Human rights organizations have criticized the move, warning it could lead to increased discrimination and travel complications for thousands of people.
For many Canadians, especially those with nonbinary or gender-neutral documentation, the warning serves as a reminder to verify entry requirements before traveling. Officials have urged citizens to stay informed about changes in foreign policies and consider potential risks when planning trips to countries that may not recognize their documentation. Also Read: MrBeast Faces Backlash Over Risky New Challenge Video With $500,000 Prize
Conclusion
The travel warning issued by Canada underscores the growing challenges faced by gender-diverse individuals amid changing policies in the United States. After US issuing stricter measures on passport recognition, travelers with “X” gender markers are now advised to take precautions before entering or transiting through the country. As legal battles continue and governments debate gender recognition policies, the issue highlights a larger conversation about identity, human rights, and international mobility in a rapidly changing world.
