Canada Issues Travel Advisory for Citizens with X Gender Passports Facing US Entry Restrictions

The Canadian government has issued an advisory to citizens holding passports with the nonbinary "X" gender marker, cautioning them about potential entry complications when traveling to the United States.

Global Affairs Canada stated in their travel advisory that while Canada issues passports with the "X" gender identifier, they cannot guarantee smooth entry or transit through other countries.

The warning, released on Monday, specifically highlighted that individuals might encounter entry restrictions in nations that do not officially recognize the "X" gender designation.

Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has implemented several measures affecting transgender and nonbinary individuals, declaring in his inaugural address that there are only "two sexes, male and female."

Through executive action, the US State Department ceased issuing passports with the "X" gender marker and restricted passport issuance for holders whose gender identity differs from their birth assignment. However, a court injunction has temporarily blocked this policy, and recently a US appeals court rejected the Trump administration's attempt to reinstate it.

Between 2019 and 2024, the Canadian government has provided approximately 3,400 passports featuring the "X" gender identifier to its citizens.