Travel rules change regularly and we Canadians are obviously not immune to entry requirements (an e-visa has been required for the United Kingdom since January and it will be the same for Europe). But in the current political context, it’s frustrating to see Donald Trump’s new presidential proclamation adding a new visa requirement for Canadians, announced early this morning.
The U.S. loves acronyms as names for laws, the most well-known being the USA PATRIOT Act adopted in response to the 9/11 attacks: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT).
The new proclamation targeting Canadian travelers is also an acronym that is leaving political observers speechless: Act Proclaiming Restrictions on the Ice-hockey-loving Loonie-using Foreign Opponents Originating from the Land of Snow (APRIL FOOLS).
Happy April Fools’ Day (and an important reminder of a real tip)
For 8 years, Flytrippers has been helping you seriously travel for less with very serious content… for at least **364** days of the year! But we love our April Fools’ tradition to have a bit of fun.
But we’ll still give you a real tip because that’s our passion.
Country entry requirements are a very serious topic, and I strongly encourage you to take a few minutes this April Fools’ Day to learn about what is literally the ONLY mandatory step for traveling: checking country entry requirements.
For all trips, for all destinations. Simple.
Even if it’s a developed country… the United Kingdom really does require an electronic visa since January (and the European Union will really require one too).
Even if it’s a country you’ve already visited… rules can change at any time (and really do change from time to time).
For.
All.
Trips.
Obviously, this April Fools’ joke isn’t true… at least not yet. Americans really require an e-visa for Europeans. We Canadians get an exemption.
But considering that European countries are going to require one for Canadians… are you really ready to bet that Trump won’t? With the current political situation, we really can’t say beyond any doubt that it won’t happen… even if it’s unlikely because of our long land border.
But that’s precisely why you need to check the rules before your trips: politicians will always be politicians (very unfortunately for all of us).
Basics of traveling
It’s quite fascinating how, unfortunately, many travelers don’t do the only mandatory step for traveling… and then get very bad surprises.
It’s not just that countries sometimes ask for visas or electronic visas (sometimes called travel authorizations; it’s the same thing)… it’s also that many countries require that your passport has at least 6 months of validity or that you have proof of onward travel (among other requirements).
In short… you need to check. Always. Not more complicated than that. It’s the basics of traveling.
You can check out Flytrippers’ ultimate guide on country entry rules.
And if you didn’t know these very basic things, clearly there are also plenty of other simple things about travel that you don’t know… especially those to save money and stop believing the terrible myth that travel necessarily costs a lot. We want to help you become a better traveler!
You can download our free ebook with 100+ pro tips!
The best way to travel for less is the one that looks the most like an April Fools’ joke because it’s a very unknown world: travel rewards.
Banks give you huge welcome bonuses! All you have to do is be savvy about how you use the regular expenses you’re going to make anyway.
Instead of spending on a card that only gives you a pathetically terrible earn rate of 1% or 2%, spend on a card that gives you a huge welcome bonus:
- $1025 for any travel expense (simple fixed value)
- And 4 free annual passes to 1000+ airport lounges
- TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
- ≈ $1590 for Air Transat or Porter flights (relatively fixed value)
- One of the best offers ever seen in Canada
- BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard
- ≈ $744 for specific flights (which can also be worth $4000+ in business class)
- The best card overall (perfect for beginners)
- Amex Cobalt Card
Do you have questions? Ask them in the comments below this post, and I’ll happily answer them seriously!
Learning how to travel for less
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Summary
For 8 years, for at least 364 days of the year, Flytrippers has been creating serious content to help you travel for less. Our April Fools’ 2025 isn’t true… at least not yet! You never know… that’s why you need to check country entry rules before any trip.
What would you like to know about the real country rules? Tell us in the comments below.
See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights
Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
Featured image: President Trump (photo credit: Trump White House Archived, edited by Flytrippers)
