B.C. border crossings to Washington continue to plunge as new regulations take effect

[Sid Shniad]

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/bc-border-crossings-washington-new-regulations

Daily Hive                                                                                                                                                                                                 Jan 5 2026

B.C. border crossings to Washington continue to plunge as new regulations take effect

Daniel Chai

illuminaphoto/Shutterstock

The holiday season used to be a busy time for British Columbians taking shopping day trips or extended vacations to the U.S., but recent data indicates that the decline in visits to Washington state from B.C. is not stopping anytime soon.

The Whatcom Council of Governments’ 2025 Changes in Border Volume data show that in December 2025, the volume of southbound vehicles from B.C. to Washington state dropped by 38 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

It’s the eleventh consecutive month of decline, with nearly 100,000 fewer personal vehicles crossing southbound across the border.

Whatcom Council of Governments

The Whatcom Council of Governments’ data comprises vehicle volume from the Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden, and Sumas ports of entry.

The slowdown of travel from B.C. to Washington state began in February 2025, with nearly 1 million fewer travellers making the crossing last year.

An overall 36 per cent fewer vehicle crossings were made between the Pacific Northwest neighbours in 2025.

The latest drop in travellers coincided with several U.S. policy changes, including a new regulation that requires individuals leaving or entering the United States, including Canadians, to be photographed at land borders.

The Bold Bureau/Shutterstock

The regulation went into effect on Dec. 26, 2025 and applies to all non-U.S. travellers. It will also remove prior exemptions, including diplomats and most Canadian visitors entering the U.S.

Previously, Canadians only needed to provide biographic information when returning home from the U.S. by vehicle.

Some Canadian residents who plan to travel to the U.S. could also soon be required to share their social media history when entering the country.

Canadians travelling to the U.S. could soon face additional restrictions, according to a new proposal shared in a notice by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The notice, dated Dec. 10, includes a proposal that would make it mandatory for travellers to share their social media history.

Ian Dewar Photography/Shutterstock

Canada recently announced plans to end a U.S. border crossing program that has been running for decades.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recently announced that its Remote Area Border Crossing Program (RABC) will close on Sept. 14, 2026.

Travellers who hold an RABC permit are allowed to cross into Canada at certain remote areas along the U.S. border with minimal processing. The system will be replaced with designated telephone reporting sites as of Sept. 14.

Are you avoiding travel to Washington State or the U.S. this year? Let us know in the comments or get in touch at vanc...@dailyhive.com.