Canadian academics warned to avoid non-essential travel to the U.S. amid tensions

Academic staff at Canadian universities have been warned to avoid non-essential travel to the United States due to the "political landscape" created by the Trump administration.

Updating its travel advice on Tuesday (April 15), the Canadian Association of University Teachers told its members to be cautious when crossing the U.S. border, saying that some people face heightened risks, the Canadian Press reports. 

The warning particularly applies to academics who are from countries that have tense diplomatic relations with the U.S., or who have themselves expressed negative views about U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration.

The notice also applies to people "whose research could be seen as being at odds with the position of the current U.S. administration," or who identify as transgender.

READ MORE: “Florida is feeling the impact”: New Cirium data sheds light on the decline of Canada-U.S. flights

Additionally, the association says academics should consider what information they have, or need to have, on their electronic devices when crossing the border, and take actions to protect sensitive information.

The Canadian government, notably, updated its advice to travellers heading south of the border earlier this month. In its latest notice, the government reminds Canadians that it cannot intervene if U.S. border agents deny travellers entry.

READ MORE: California launches campaign to encourage Canadians to visit in Trump dig: “Don’t let him ruin your beach plans”

“Individual border agents often have significant discretion in making those determinations. U.S. authorities strictly enforce entry requirements.”

Ottawa’s advice also warns Canadians to “expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices.”

Tense times

The update comes as President Trump, repeating rhetoric about making Canada the 51st state, imposes tariffs on Canadian imports and amid reports of travellers being detained by U.S. officials.

The tense political climate has led many Canadians to rethink their U.S. travel plans: the number of Canadians returning from the U.S. by vehicle was down almost 32 per cent in March compared to March 2024, according to Statistics Canada. 

Canadian return trips by air from the U.S. were also down 13.5 per cent last month compared to March 2024, StatCan says.

READ MORE: Canada updates U.S. travel advice: “expect scrutiny,” electronic devices could be searched

Airlines are currently offering 4.4 per cent fewer seats between Canada and the U.S. for April–June 2025 than they were back in January, reports Cirium, an aviation analytics company.

Canadian airlines, which operate the bulk of this capacity, have made steeper cuts — down 6.1 per cent on average.

According to Cirium's data, Air Canada’s seats are down more than nine per cent year-over-year, with WestJet reducing capacity by nearly five per cent.

United, on the other hand, is growing its presence in the market with an 8.5 per cent increase in seats.

Porter Airlines, too, is directing 23 per cent of its available seat miles to U.S. destinations this April, Cirium says.

"Don't let him ruin your beach plans"

Some U.S. states are pushing back against Trump's policies in an attempt to save tourism. On Tuesday (April 15), California’s Governor Gavin Newsom launched an international campaign with Visit California to encourage a "strong tourism partnership" with Canada.

A statement on Mr. Newsom's website says the campaign will remind Canadians "that California is a grateful partner and remains one of the best — and most welcoming — destinations in the United States, and the world."

“Sure, you-know-who is trying to stir things up back in D.C., but don’t let that ruin your beach plans.,” reads a statement from Gov. Newsom. “California is the ultimate playground — over 2,000 miles from Washington and a world away in mindset, from our iconic beaches and national parks to world-class wine, food, and outdoor adventure — there’s something here for everyone. Canada, come experience our California Love.”

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