Canada issues warning on X-gender passports for U.S. travel
The Canadian government has added a cautionary note to its official United States travel guidance, specifically addressing Canadian passport holders who list the gender marker as X. The Department of Global Affairs (Global Affairs Canada) says that while Canada issues passports with an X gender identifier, it cannot guarantee entry or transit through other countries. Some destinations do not recognize or accept the X marker, which could lead to entry restrictions or delays.
According to the advisory, Canadians traveling with an X marker may still be asked to provide their sex or gender as male or female during border checks. This means that even with a passport bearing the X marker, travelers should be prepared for situations where a country’s systems or officials do not recognize the designation.
Context: U.S. policy and ongoing legal questions
The timing of the advisory coincides with a broader U.S. policy debate. Earlier this year, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. government to recognize only two sexes—male and female—and to refer to sex rather than gender on federal documents. The order has faced legal challenges and is currently the subject of lawsuits, with lower courts temporarily blocking certain aspects of its implementation. The administration has sought relief from these court orders as it defends the policy.
U.S. officials and travel offices have generally stressed that entry decisions at the border can hinge on a range of factors, and shifts in internal rules often lead to confusion for travelers. With the U.S. policy being litigated, Canada’s warning emphasizes caution for Canadians whose identities are tied to a gender marker that may not be universally recognized abroad.
What this means for travelers
The advisory notes that the lack of broad recognition for the X gender marker is not limited to any single country. Travelers should anticipate that some border control systems and officials may request additional information or question the gender marker listed on a passport. In practice, this can translate into longer wait times, additional screening, or even a denial of entry in certain scenarios.
For 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians and others who legally use the X marker, this development adds a layer of complexity to planning. The notice underscores a pragmatic approach to international travel: while a Canadian passport with X is valid domestically, it may not confer the same ease of movement in all jurisdictions, particularly those that do not recognize nonbinary identifiers.
Historical context and recent warnings
The new U.S. advisory is part of a pattern in which Global Affairs Canada has repeatedly updated its travel warnings in response to legal and policy shifts across the border. In 2023, the government revised its guidance in light of anti-2SLGBTQ+ laws enacted by some U.S. states, alerting travelers to risks where same-sex activities or gender identity could be criminalized. Earlier this year, the Canadian advisory expanded again to flag the potential for heightened scrutiny when entering the United States.
In August, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced that Canadians applying for or renewing Nexus trusted-traveler cards would not be able to list X as their gender. That policy change, along with ongoing discussions about U.S. recognition of gender markers, has kept Canadian travelers attentive to how identity documents are treated on the international stage.
Practical steps for 2SLGBTQ+ and other travelers
- Verify entry requirements for your destination well before departure and consider whether alternative forms of documentation might ease border processing.
- If possible, carry extra documentation that can help describe your gender identity or sex in contexts where the X marker is not recognized.
- Anticipate possible questions and remain patient at border crossings. Rules and interpretations can vary by country and even by individual officers.
- Stay informed about changes to travel advisories and U.S. border policies, especially in the context of evolving court rulings and administrative actions.
Bottom line
Canada’s warning reflects a cautious stance: a passport with an X gender marker is a valid Canadian document, but it is not a guarantee of recognition or entry in every country. For travelers, particularly those in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, knowledge of destination-specific rules and a contingency plan can help navigate a landscape where policy and practice do not always align. Global Affairs Canada continues to monitor developments and adjust guidance as border policies evolve.
