Erin O’Gorman, President of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), has stated that crossing the Canada-U.S. Border is not more challenging than it has been in the past. Speaking during an interview on CBC’s The House, O’Gorman noted that thousands of individuals continue to travel daily via both land and air routes.
Increased Digital Scrutiny at the Border
Despite assurances of a secure border, recent data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows a record number of electronic device searches conducted last year. In 2025, officials searched 55,318 computers, cellphones, and other electronic devices.
This figure marks a 17.6% increase from the 47,047 devices searched in 2024, and a 32.4% increase from the 41,767 devices searched in 2023. Updated U.S. Directives have expanded the scope of these searches to include items such as smartwatches, SIM cards, and USB flash drives.
While the CBP has recorded these increases, the organization has not specified the exact proportion of searches occurring at land borders versus airports, nor whether they are concentrated at the Canadian or Mexican borders. In response, the Canadian federal government has updated its online travel advice, reminding Canadians that U.S. Agents possess significant discretionary power to grant or refuse entry and that travelers should expect scrutiny.
Conflicting Data on Cross-Border Travel
Official statistics regarding the volume of cross-border movement show significant discrepancies. Statistics Canada reports an approximately 25% decrease in the number of Canadian residents returning from the United States over the last year.
However, research from the University of Toronto’s School of Cities tells a different story. Based on mobile phone data, these researchers indicate that the decline in cross-border travel may actually be as high as 42% compared to the previous year.
Public Health and International Coordination
In an effort to curb the spread of Ebola, Ottawa has announced it will temporarily suspend the issuance of immigration documents for residents of South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These nations are considered higher-risk areas for the disease.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has also mandated a 21-day quarantine for asymptomatic Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals who have visited affected regions in recent weeks. For those without a safe place to isolate, the federal government has stated that appropriate locations will be provided.
To manage this, O’Gorman indicated that initial screening at airports will be conducted subtly at standard control points. Travelers may encounter new questions regarding their recent travel history, added to existing inquiries about visiting farms or carrying more than $10,000 in cash.
As the FIFA World Cup approaches, Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel confirmed that Canada is coordinating with host nations Mexico and the United States. While the Minister has held direct talks with her Mexican counterpart, she noted that direct discussions with U.S. Authorities have not yet occurred. O’Gorman emphasized the importance of maintaining a North American perimeter to prevent traveler confusion during the tournament.
As new screening questions are integrated into standard airport procedures, travelers may experience more detailed questioning regarding their recent movements. The implementation of strict quarantine protocols for certain travelers could lead to changes in how international arrivals are processed during health alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new items are U.S. Customs agents authorized to search?
Updated directives now include smartwatches, SIM cards, and USB flash drives in addition to computers and cellphones.
What are the new quarantine requirements for Ebola prevention?
Asymptomatic travelers who have visited affected regions in recent weeks must undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine.
How is Canada coordinating for the upcoming FIFA World Cup?
The Federal Health Minister has stated that Canada is coordinating with Mexico and the U.S., though direct communication has only been established with Mexico so far.
How do you feel about the increasing use of digital device searches at international borders?
