Canadian Snowbirds Face Fingerprinting, Photography at U.S. Border
Canadian snowbirds traveling to the U.S. for the winter are facing new border requirements, including fingerprinting and photography. Travelers like William McKeever reported a smooth experience entering the U.S. for shopping in Ogdensburg, New York. However, the new regulations have left many Canadians surprised.
New U.S. Border Policies for Canadian Travelers
According to reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), some snowbirds have expressed shock over being fingerprinted and photographed at the border. This change is attributed to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this year. This order requires visitors who plan to stay in the U.S. for 30 days or more to register with federal authorities, a measure intended to bolster border security.
Impact on Canadian Snowbirds
- Some travelers are deterred by the new policies, with reports of reduced winter trips to the U.S.
- Conversely, some Canadians, like McKeever, remain undeterred, believing that compliance with the new rules is essential.
The Canadian Snowbird Association notes that Canadians can register with Form I-94 or Form G-325R. The I-94 form has a fee of $30, but if border officials allow entry without it, visitors can complete the G-325R form online at no cost.
Local Reactions in Ogdensburg
The situation has raised concerns among local officials in Ogdensburg, especially as tourism numbers decline. They hope that reactions from Canadian visitors optimize local economic benefits. Alex Doulov, a repeat visitor to Ogdensburg, shared his enthusiasm for the city, stating, “I enjoy shopping. I enjoy the city; I love Ogdensburg.” This sentiment reflects the desire among many local businesses for continued Canadian tourism.
