B.C. Border Crossings to Washington Drop 38% Amid New Regulations

The number of vehicles crossing from British Columbia to Washington State continues to decline sharply, with a substantial 38 percent drop recorded in December 2025 compared to the previous year. This trend marks the eleventh consecutive month of reduced crossings, resulting in nearly 100,000 fewer personal vehicles making the journey south. The data, provided by the Whatcom Council of Governments, points to a significant shift in travel patterns during a time that traditionally sees increased cross-border activity.

Regulatory Changes Impact Travel

The downturn in border crossings began in February 2025, with approximately 1 million fewer travelers from British Columbia visiting Washington State throughout the year. Overall, the volume of vehicle crossings between these neighboring regions decreased by 36 percent in 2025. This decline coincides with recent changes to U.S. border policy, specifically a new regulation that requires all individuals entering or leaving the United States, including Canadians, to be photographed at land border crossings. This regulation became effective on December 26, 2025 and removes previous exemptions for diplomats and most Canadian visitors, who formerly needed only to provide biographical information when re-entering Canada by vehicle.

In addition to this policy shift, Canadian travelers may soon face further restrictions. A proposal from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) suggests that travelers could soon be required to disclose their social media history when entering the United States. This potential requirement has raised concerns among Canadian residents and may further deter cross-border travel.

Changes to Canadian Border Programs

The impact of these regulatory adjustments is compounded by Canada’s recent announcement regarding the closure of the Remote Area Border Crossing Program (RABC). This program, which has operated for decades, allows travelers with an RABC permit to cross into Canada at specific remote locations along the U.S. border with minimal processing. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has indicated that this program will officially end on September 14, 2026. Following the closure, travelers will be required to use designated telephone reporting sites for border crossings.

As the landscape of cross-border travel continues to evolve, British Columbians are re-evaluating their plans to visit Washington State. Many are expressing concerns about the increasing restrictions and the implications for future travel. The ongoing decline in border crossings highlights a significant shift in the relationship between these two regions, prompting questions about the potential long-term effects on tourism and local economies.

The changes in border regulations and the closure of established crossing programs have introduced new challenges for travelers. Canadians contemplating trips to the United States may find themselves weighing the convenience of travel against the complexities of new requirements. The future of cross-border travel remains uncertain as both regions navigate these developments.