Canada warns citizens with “X” gender passports about potential issues entering the U.S.

The Canadian government is cautioning citizens that identifying their gender as “X” on their passports may lead to difficulties when travelling to the United States and other countries.

Recently, Global Affairs Canada updated its U.S. travel advisory to include a warning for 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians who hold passports with the “X” gender designation.

“While the Government of Canada issues passports with a “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier,” reads the notice, which can be viewed here.

“Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.”

The Canadian government also says travellers should be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies “may not recognize the “X” gender identifier.”

“You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling,” the guidance reads.

The change follows an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year, requiring the federal government to recognize only two sexes—male and female.

The order also mandated that all federal documents use the term “sex” instead of “gender.”

That order is currently tied up in the courts. The Trump administration is attempting to overturn a U.S. district court ruling that blocked the State Department from enforcing the policy, which would prevent the issuance of passports recognizing gender options beyond male and female.

In January, the Canadian government reported that about 3,600 citizens had selected “X” as their gender on their passports — an option that was first introduced in 2019.

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