Canadians travelling with gender-neutral passports may be refused by U.S. and other countries

Travel advisors who have clients who list "X" as their gender on their passports should advise clients that they could have problems entering the U.S. and possibly some other countries.

 

Canada’s Department of Global Affairs added an advisory to its United States travel advice page for 2SLGBTQ+ Canadian passport holders. The following is posted on the Canadian government site www.travel.gc.ca with regard to travel to the U.S. with a gender-neutral passport:

 

“Passport with "X" gender identifier

 

“While the Government of Canada issues passports with a “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

 

“You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.”

 

The Canadian government said an estimated 3,600 citizens have listed "X" as their gender on their passports.