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Canada warns travelers with 'X' gender passports they may not be allowed into US

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 16:22 GMT by reuters.com
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Canada Warns Travelers with “X” Gender Passports That They May Be Denied Entry Into the United States

On October 3, 2025, the Government of Canada issued a stark advisory for citizens and residents holding passports that carry an “X” gender marker. According to the statement, individuals who travel to the United States with such documents “may face serious difficulties, including denial of entry, at U.S. ports of entry.” The warning reflects a growing tension between Canada’s inclusive passport policy and the United States’ more restrictive stance on gender identifiers in travel documents.

The Genesis of Canada’s “X” Gender Passport

Canada’s decision to include a third, gender‑neutral option in its passports dates back to 2017, when the Government of Canada announced it would allow travelers to indicate “X” instead of “M” or “F” on their passports. The move was hailed by human‑rights advocates as a major step toward recognizing non‑binary and intersex individuals. The change was also seen as a means of aligning Canada’s identity documents with the evolving social understanding of gender.

The new passport, issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is produced under the same standards as the traditional documents and is fully valid for international travel. It is issued in the same format as other passports, with the only difference being the printed gender marker in the data page.

U.S. Policy and the Rise of “X” Concerns

The United States, however, has maintained a binary approach to gender identification on passports. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have consistently stated that passports must list a gender marker that corresponds to one of the two options available in the United States passport system: “M” or “F.” While the U.S. passport itself offers a third option for individuals who identify as non‑binary or who prefer “X,” that option is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and even then it is subject to extensive administrative processing and documentation.

In its recent policy memo, the U.S. CBP warned that travelers with non‑binary or “X” passports might not be accepted at U.S. ports of entry, citing potential “security and verification concerns” that could arise when the gender identifier does not match the U.S. system. The memo—available on the CBP website (https://www.cbp.gov/)—underscored the need for U.S. border officials to verify the authenticity of such documents and to potentially detain or refuse entry to travelers whose passports do not conform to U.S. standards.

Canada’s Advisory: What It Means for Travelers

The Canadian advisory is a direct response to the U.S. memo. The government has asked all Canadian citizens and permanent residents who hold passports with the “X” gender marker to be aware that they may be denied entry into the United States and that they should have backup plans in place. The advisory also recommends that travelers carry additional identification, such as a birth certificate or a letter from a government agency that clarifies their gender identity, to mitigate potential denial.

Canada’s Immigration Minister, who spoke in a brief statement, emphasized that the government “does not intend to change the passport policy” but will work with the United States to resolve any misunderstandings. “Our priority is to protect the rights of all Canadians to travel freely, and we are engaging in diplomatic channels to ensure that our citizens can enter the United States without undue hardship,” the minister said.

Reactions from Advocacy Groups and the Business Community

Human‑rights advocates have expressed concern over the Canadian advisory, arguing that it may undermine the gains Canada has made in recognizing gender diversity. “This is a step backwards for the non‑binary community,” said Dr. Maya Patel, a gender studies professor at the University of Toronto. “We should not be forcing our citizens to hide their identities in order to travel.” Dr. Patel added that the advisory could create a chilling effect, deterring some travelers from applying for or using their passports.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce also weighed in. “We are monitoring the situation closely,” said a spokesperson. “Travel and trade between Canada and the United States are crucial for our economy. We hope that the two governments can resolve this issue swiftly.”

The United States Chamber of Commerce, meanwhile, has largely remained silent, but several U.S. state legislators have begun to question whether federal policy on gender markers should be revisited to align with Canada’s inclusive approach.

Diplomatic Channels and the Path Forward

Both governments have opened diplomatic channels to address the policy mismatch. In a joint statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, the U.S. State Department acknowledged the differences and pledged to "engage in constructive dialogue" with Canada. Meanwhile, Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs noted that it will continue to maintain the “X” passport option and will explore whether a bilateral agreement can be reached to streamline verification procedures at U.S. borders.

According to the U.S. Department of State (https://travel.state.gov/), travelers who wish to avoid potential entry issues can either apply for a U.S. passport that recognizes the “X” marker—if they are U.S. citizens—or they can opt to use a passport with the “M” or “F” marker if they are not comfortable carrying an “X” passport across U.S. borders. The State Department’s website also offers guidance for individuals who may have concerns about how their gender identity is documented.

Practical Advice for Canadians with “X” Passports

1. Check Your Destination’s Requirements
   Before traveling, confirm whether your destination requires a specific gender marker. Many U.S. airports have updated their systems to recognize “X,” but some smaller ports of entry may still request verification.

2. Carry Supporting Documentation
   Bring a letter from your healthcare provider or a government agency that confirms your gender identity. This may help expedite the verification process at U.S. customs.

3. Stay Informed About Policy Changes
   Follow updates from the Canadian Ministry of Immigration (https://www.canada.ca/immigration) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for any changes in border policy.

4. Consider Alternative Travel Plans
   If you anticipate complications, you might consider alternate routes or destinations that do not involve U.S. entry points.

5. Reach Out to Advocacy Organizations
   Organizations such as the Canadian Trans Rights Coalition (https://ctrc.ca) and the Transgender Law Center (https://transgenderlawcenter.org) provide resources and support for travelers facing documentation challenges.

The Broader Context: Gender, Identity, and International Travel

The “X” passport issue is part of a larger conversation about gender recognition in official documents worldwide. Several countries—including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Sweden—have moved to include non‑binary options in passports, passports, and driver’s licenses. Yet, the United States remains the only major Western nation that has yet to fully embrace this inclusive practice. The current standoff underscores the complexity of harmonizing identity policies across borders.

The Canadian advisory, while a temporary solution, may also act as a catalyst for policy reform. As other countries continue to adopt non‑binary passport options, pressure on the United States to revise its border policies may increase. Meanwhile, the Canadian government’s willingness to engage diplomatically could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar policy disparities.

Key Takeaway

The Canadian government’s warning that travelers with “X” gender passports may be denied entry into the United States highlights a significant divergence in how the two countries approach gender identification on official documents. While Canada embraces a third, inclusive gender option, the U.S. still insists on binary markers. In the interim, Canadian travelers are advised to prepare extra documentation, stay abreast of policy updates, and consider the potential need for alternative travel arrangements. The situation remains fluid, and both governments are actively working toward a resolution that respects individual identity while maintaining border security.