Every year, thousands of Torontonians and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) residents head south to escape the cold and enjoy sunnier winters in places like Florida, Arizona, Texas and California. But before you pack your bags (and sunscreen), there are some essential things to know. Follow these tips for a seamless travel experience.
1. Plan Ahead: Documents & Entry Requirements
Passports & Identification
To enter the United States, Canadian citizens need a valid passport. Ensure it won’t expire during your planned stay. If you have a Nexus card, make sure to bring it as it can significantly speed up border crossings by land or air.
Stay Limits
Most Canadian travellers can stay in the U.S. for up to six months (about 182 days) on a visitor status (B-2) before they must return to Canada. It’s wise not to exceed this period to avoid complications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
2. New & Recent U.S. Border Rules You Should Know
Border procedures have been changing in 2025, with a few updates that snowbirds should prepare for.
Registration Requirement for Longer Stays
As of mid-April 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security instituted a new rule requiring all non-U.S. citizens (including Canadians) who remain in the U.S. for 30 days or more to register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), unless they were already issued an electronic Form I-94 when entering the U.S. by air. If your entry didn’t generate an I-94, which is common for land border crossings, you may need to register online and show proof during your stay.
You can check whether an I-94 was issued by visiting the CBP I-94 portal online before travel or shortly after arrival to avoid extra steps.
Biometric Entry/Exit Requirements
Starting December 26, 2025, the U.S. implemented a biometric entry/exit rule requiring photographs and facial comparison checks for non-U.S. travellers at airports, land crossings, and other ports of entry. This does not change your eligibility to enter or stay as a visitor, but it may add time to processing at the border, so plan extra time when crossing.
Tariffs on Returned Goods
Additionally, Canadian snowbirds returning home should be aware of 25% surtaxes (tariffs) that Canada now applies on certain U.S. goods brought back into Canada, collected toward costs on specific imported products. Personal exemptions (e.g., up to CA$800 after 48+ hours away) still apply, so keep receipts handy to ensure duty and surtax are calculated correctly.
3. Vehicle Transportation Options
One key choice snowbirds face is how to handle their vehicle: drive it yourself, ship it, or use a driveaway service.
Drive Yourself: Pros & Cons
Driving your own vehicle gives you flexibility and a familiar ride in the U.S. However:
- It’s a long drive (Toronto to Florida can easily be 1,500+ km).
- Border crossings by land may take longer with new rules.
- Winter weather in the northern U.S. and Canada can still be tricky in the early/late season.
Driveaway or Transport Services
If you want to avoid the long drive but still have your car with you, specialized vehicle transport services exist that are tailored to snowbirds. These companies typically come in one of two forms: autohaulers or driveaway services.
Autohaulers transport multiple vehicles to and from snowbird destinations using specialized trucks. In contrast, driveaway services like Cross Country Valet use professional drivers to transport your vehicle between your pickup and drop-off addresses personally. Either option can be a convenient way to deliver your vehicle to your winter residence.
4. Health Insurance & Travel Insurance
Medical care in the U.S. is expensive. Make sure you have travel health insurance that covers emergencies, including COVID-19 care and ambulance transport, if needed. Policies vary widely in coverage and cost, so shop around before you go. Keep in mind that OHIP coverage doesn’t usually apply when travelling in the United States, except in very limited circumstances where it only covers a small portion of costs. Travel medical insurance is therefore essential for Canadians visiting the U.S.
5. Final Tips for Smooth Travel
A little preparation before you leave Toronto can go a long way toward avoiding delays, stress, or unexpected issues once you’re en route or at the border.
- Arrive Early: With biometric entry/exit and possible registration checks, give yourself extra time at border crossings.
- Prepare Documentation: Have your passport, travel insurance info, proof of accommodation or plans, and any registration/I-94 details ready.
- Pack Smart: Keep receipts for purchases, especially larger items, to simplify any questions when returning to Canada.
- Stay Informed: Border rules evolve; check official government updates before you travel.
Travelling south for the winter can be an excellent way to beat the cold, but it’s essential to plan to make your journey as smooth as possible. With the right preparation and a clear understanding of today’s travel and border requirements, Toronto-area snowbirds can focus less on logistics and more on enjoying a warm, worry-free winter in the U.S.
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