Monday, July 28, 2025
Arizona, Florida and New York are pushing the limits of what’s acceptable as snowbirds from Canada seek to extend their stays in the US under new visa provisions designed to lure more tourists — and spending — in the wake of a dramatic fall in Canadian tourism. The spike has also wiped out traffic from the formerly healthy visitor flow from Canada, according to the Visit U.S. Coalition, with vehicle entries down 38.1 percent in Arizona, the number of booked flights down about 70 percent in Florida and New York losing millions in tourism. Lawmakers in those states, in response, have proposed increasing the length of annual visits for Canadians to as many as 240 days, beyond the current 182-day cap. The reversal is meant to reverse the slide that sapped more lucrative longer stays and endangered local economies that are rich in Canadian dollars. In the process, the states hope to strengthen relationships with Canada, win visitors who are sorely missed, and expand key tourism sectors.

Arizona: A Winter Haven for Canadian Snowbirds

Arizona, which has long been a favorite destination for Canadian snowbirds, is experiencing a decline in visitor numbers, particularly from the northern regions. In May 2025, Arizona saw a 38.1% drop in Canadian vehicle entries compared to the previous year. The decline in air travel from Canada was also significant, with a 24.2% decrease in Canadian flights. This downturn is largely attributed to the rising political tensions between the U.S. and Canada, as well as changes in exchange rates that have made travel less affordable.

Advertisement
Despite these challenges, Arizona is pushing forward with new legislation that will allow Canadian snowbirds to stay for up to 240 days per year, an increase from the current 182-day limit. This move aims to attract Canadians back to Arizona, ensuring they continue to support the state’s local economy, which has relied on Canadian investment for years. With Canadian snowbirds contributing nearly $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy, extending the stay limit is seen as a crucial step in maintaining the state’s tourism revenue.
Local officials, including Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, have emphasized that Canadians are integral to the state’s economic growth, particularly in communities that rely on winter tourism. “Extending their stay isn’t just good for families, it’s good for Arizona’s economy, especially in areas that rely on tourism,” Kelly said.

Florida: A Top Destination for Canadian Tourists

Florida, another major U.S. destination for Canadian snowbirds, is also facing a significant drop in Canadian tourism. Advance flight bookings from Canada to Florida for the April–September 2025 period are down by over 70% compared to the same time in 2024. The state’s tourism sector, which has traditionally been bolstered by Canadian visitors, is feeling the effects of this sharp decline.
In response, Florida lawmakers have backed the Canadian Snowbirds Act of 2025, which will extend the stay limit for Canadian visitors. The legislation is expected to make Florida an even more attractive destination for Canadians, particularly retirees looking for a warmer climate. Senator Rick Scott from Florida, who has been a strong advocate for the bill, stated that Canadian snowbirds are not just visitors—they are neighbors who contribute significantly to the local economy. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill strengthens the US-Canada relationship and boosts local economies,” Scott said.
With over 3.3 million Canadians visiting Florida annually, the state hopes to reverse the downturn by encouraging Canadians to stay longer. The extended stay provisions are expected to stimulate spending in Florida’s tourism industry, supporting sectors such as hospitality, retail, and entertainment, which depend on seasonal visitors.

New York: The Scenic Getaway for Canadian Snowbirds

New York has also felt the sting of declining Canadian tourism, with border crossings from Canada down nearly 22% in April 2025 compared to the previous year. The decline is expected to result in a loss of approximately $4 billion in tourism spending for New York City alone. Hotels, tour operators, and local businesses that rely on Canadian visitors have reported significant losses, with some seeing a drop in bookings of up to 40%.
Despite this, New York has introduced measures aimed at attracting Canadian tourists back. The Canadian Snowbirds Act of 2025 is expected to make the state a more appealing destination for Canadian retirees. With beautiful destinations like the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, and Catskills, New York is poised to benefit from an influx of snowbirds looking to extend their stay. Senator Chuck Schumer from New York emphasized that the extended stay provisions will help revitalize New York’s tourism industries, especially in regions that cater to retirees.
“Extending Canadian snowbirds’ stays will provide a much-needed boost to New York’s tourism sector, helping our local businesses thrive,” Schumer stated. The legislation aims to attract more Canadian visitors by allowing them to spend more time in the state, contributing to real estate markets, tourism-related jobs, and local economies.

Other States: Efforts to Woo Back Canadian Tourists

Other states, such as Texas, California, and Nevada, are also grappling with the decline in Canadian visitors. However, they are taking steps to make themselves more appealing to Canadians. In California, cities like Los Angeles and San Diego have long been popular among Canadian travelers, particularly for their warm weather and attractions. In Texas, local tourism boards are working to make their destinations more attractive by offering special promotions and packages aimed at Canadian travelers.
Nevada, home to Las Vegas, has also seen a downturn in Canadian tourism. The state’s tourism officials are working to offer discounts and tailored vacation packages to attract Canadians back. However, the challenge remains significant, with many Canadian tourists opting for more affordable destinations or choosing not to travel due to the financial burden caused by exchange rate differences and rising travel costs.

Strengthening US-Canada Relations

One of the key benefits of extending the stay for Canadian snowbirds is the potential to strengthen U.S.-Canada relations. With over 1.2 million Canadians visiting the U.S. annually, the extended stay provisions will help foster closer ties between the two countries, benefiting both sides economically. By allowing Canadians to stay longer in the U.S., the countries can continue to build on their long-standing economic and cultural relationship.
Lawmakers have emphasized that this legislation not only benefits U.S. states but also creates a stronger connection with Canada, one of the U.S.’s most important trading partners. The extended stay provision is seen as a win-win, benefiting both the U.S. economy and Canadian visitors.

Keeping It Fair and Secure

To ensure that the extended stays do not result in misuse of U.S. social benefits, the legislation includes provisions that prohibit Canadian snowbirds from accessing public assistance or seeking employment while in the U.S. During their stay, snowbirds will also be required to maintain their Canadian residency and either own or lease property in the U.S.
These provisions are designed to maintain the integrity of the U.S. immigration system while allowing Canadian visitors to spend more time in the U.S., benefiting both local communities and the economy.

A Win for Local Communities

The extended stay provision for Canadian snowbirds is expected to bring substantial benefits to local communities in Arizona, Florida, New York, and other states. These states rely heavily on seasonal tourism, and Canadian visitors have long played a crucial role in supporting local businesses. With the new legislation, businesses in hospitality, retail, and real estate stand to see an uptick in sales and investment from Canadian visitors.
Arizona, Florida, and New York are extending visa stays for Canadian snowbirds to attract more visitors and boost tourism, following a decline in Canadian travel due to political and economic challenges. This new initiative aims to revitalize local economies by allowing Canadian visitors to stay longer and contribute more to tourism-driven sectors.

The Bigger Picture

This legislation represents a broader trend of U.S. states exploring ways to attract more international visitors and capitalize on the Canadian market. The extended stay provision for Canadian snowbirds could serve as a model for other regions, encouraging similar policies aimed at attracting international tourism and boosting local economies.
In conclusion, the U.S. is taking proactive steps to reverse the decline in Canadian tourism. By extending the stay for Canadian snowbirds, Arizona, Florida, New York, and other states are positioning themselves to regain their place as top destinations for Canadian visitors. This initiative is expected to provide a much-needed boost to local economies, strengthen U.S.-Canada relations, and set the stage for future tourism growth.

Advertisement
Tags: Canada, snowbirds visa, Travel News, US

I want to receive travel news and trade event update from Travel And Tour World. I have read Travel And Tour World’sPrivacy Notice.
Monday, July 28, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025

source