Canadian retirees who normally flock south each winter are cancelling U.S. travel plans amid escalating U.S.-Canada trade tensions and tougher American border controls. A Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada survey released November 9 shows only 26 percent of Canadians intend to spend part of the winter in the United States, down from 41 percent a year ago; among those aged 61+, the figure drops to just 10 percent.
Drivers include President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs on Canadian goods and heightened immigration measures that require non-U.S. visitors staying longer than 30 days to register their whereabouts and, from December, submit biometric photos on both entry and exit. Reports of inconsistent enforcement and secondary inspections have created uncertainty at land crossings.
![‘Snowbirds’ Rethink U.S. Winters as New Border Rules and Tariffs Bite]()
The shift has two immediate mobility implications. First, U.S. service providers—from Florida condo rentals to Arizona healthcare clinics—face a potential multi-billion-dollar drop in seasonal Canadian spending. Second, Canadian tourism boards are seeing record domestic bookings, suggesting retirees may instead choose intra-Canada long-stay options or explore more welcoming destinations such as Mexico and Portugal.
Travel-program managers should update cross-border guidance: Canadians who do travel must factor in extra processing time, evidence of accommodation and proof of exit plans. Snowbird property owners should also watch U.S. state residency thresholds; spending fewer days stateside may help avoid tax complications if the stricter registration system captures actual presence more accurately.
Drivers include President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs on Canadian goods and heightened immigration measures that require non-U.S. visitors staying longer than 30 days to register their whereabouts and, from December, submit biometric photos on both entry and exit. Reports of inconsistent enforcement and secondary inspections have created uncertainty at land crossings.
The shift has two immediate mobility implications. First, U.S. service providers—from Florida condo rentals to Arizona healthcare clinics—face a potential multi-billion-dollar drop in seasonal Canadian spending. Second, Canadian tourism boards are seeing record domestic bookings, suggesting retirees may instead choose intra-Canada long-stay options or explore more welcoming destinations such as Mexico and Portugal.
Travel-program managers should update cross-border guidance: Canadians who do travel must factor in extra processing time, evidence of accommodation and proof of exit plans. Snowbird property owners should also watch U.S. state residency thresholds; spending fewer days stateside may help avoid tax complications if the stricter registration system captures actual presence more accurately.
