Travelling to the US for poker events? New travel rules have been put in place

Shells · Jan 3, 2026

If you plan to travel and participate in poker events throughout the US, there are a few changes visitors should be aware of before travelling. Many news outlets are reporting on the changes that may affect travellers, such as submitting Form I-94 (up to 7 days before arrival or crossing borders) and possible submission of biometrics like DNA, iris scans and fingerprints from canada to the US Customs and Border Protection.

Below is a statement from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

“Nothing has changed on this front for those coming to the United States. This is not a final rule, it is simply the first step in starting a discussion to have new policy options to keep the American people safe,” CBP told USA TODAY in a statement. “This new proposal is in line with the January 2025 Executive Order 14161 to vet those who are coming into this country using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) by allowing CBP to collect additional information from non-U.S. citizens applying through the visa waiver program from eligible countries.”

Proposed Travel Rules Will Require Poker Players Visiting the U.S. to Submit DNA

Tero · Jan 3, 2026

I would like to see a statistic that shows how many/what kind of crimes have been committed thus far by those who have entered the country legally?
They really know how make a tourist feel welcomed

MK_ · Jan 3, 2026

This is coming on the heels of a terrible year for international tourism to the United States.

According to The World Travel & Tourism Council, the United States will have lost $12.5 billion in international visitor spending this year.

.... dna, iris scans, social media checks for the last 5 year, emails and phone numbers for the last 10, ....sounds like a fun vacation😮

Shells · Jan 3, 2026

A lot of the new rules/practices in place for border crossing to the US are taking some time for everyone to get used to, including the Customs and Border Protection personnel.

Hopefully, once we fill in our Form I-94, we won't find it difficult to cross the border from Ontario, Canada, to the US, given that we are heading south for a couple of months in a few days.

Emily Trott · Jan 4, 2026

Shells said:
A lot of the new rules/practices in place for border crossing to the US are taking some time for everyone to get used to, including the Customs and Border Protection personnel.

Hopefully, once we fill in our Form I-94, we won't find it difficult to cross the border from Ontario, Canada, to the US, given that we are heading south for a couple of months in a few days.

Definitely hope so Shells, and that you don't have any problems. Most of it is baloney, but there is nothing that you or I can do anything about it.

eberetta1 · Jan 4, 2026

So sad our Canadian friends are being treated this way.

enno · Jan 5, 2026

Nothing against those who still wish to travel to Trump’s domain but personally I will never cross the border again until idiot boy smartens up. Travel has dropped 30% and I hope it will be even higher- stay in Canada or travel to other countries where we are welcomed without all the BS rules.

Luvepoker · Jan 5, 2026

I guess we no longer want people to visit the country. So very sad.

Shells · Jan 5, 2026

Emily Trott said:
Definitely hope so Shells, and that you don't have any problems. Most of it is baloney, but there is nothing that you or I can do anything about it.

You are absolutely correct, Emily. The vast majority of people crossing the border will follow the rules, I believe. so, that alone should make the Border Patrol job a bit easier. I do get it, though...times they are a-changing.

eberetta1 said:
So sad our Canadian friends are being treated this way.

Years ago we lived in a border city. I remember when we would cross the border (frequently), we provided very little information. We could cross with our Canadian birth certificate back then. Years later, we could present our drivers license, and in time we showed a passport or enchanced drivers license...you probably get the picture. It's the evolution of Border Crossing and only another thing to get used to. So, it is a bit nerve-wracking when changes come into place for regular folks like us but we do get used to it, if we want to travel anywhere.

Luvepoker said:
I guess we no longer want people to visit the country. So very sad.

I truly hope that's not the case because we really do like our American neighbours (and I know Americans like Canadians)!

I'll tell you this much, if they let me in, I will do my very best to contribute to the US economy!

♥️

Omar.Imrane · Jan 5, 2026

The media: Before entering the U.S., prepare your passport, fingerprints, iris scan, and a DNA test… just in case.
CBP: Nothing has changed, we’re just “opening a discussion.”
The traveler: A discussion? Perfect… I’ll discuss it from the plane ✈️😂🃏

Rmi · Jan 5, 2026

Never, but it's a dream to fulfill...

Mazembe · Jan 5, 2026

Tero said:
I would like to see a statistic that shows how many/what kind of crimes have been committed thus far by those who have entered the country legally?
They really know how make a tourist feel welcomed

For real, because taking DNA is a little too extreme in my opinion.

tagece · Jan 5, 2026

MK_ said:
This is coming on the heels of a terrible year for international tourism to the United States.

According to The World Travel & Tourism Council, the United States will have lost $12.5 billion in international visitor spending this year.

.... dna, iris scans, social media checks for the last 5 year, emails and phone numbers for the last 10, ....sounds like a fun vacation😮

Well, I went to the USA twice. Now I would spend U$ 720,00 only to make an appointment to an application to get visas to my family. As there is no a USA consulate in my city and is obligatory a presencial interview, I would have to spend with hotel and transportation. At least, one thousand dollars with no guarantee of obtaining the visas. That's why many Brazilians are choosing Europe and Asia in their vacations when travelling to foreign countries.

Poker Orifice · Jan 5, 2026

Sounds like perfect time for W.S.O.P. to begin holding the world series of poker 'Canada' series. Something much bigger than the Circuit Events they are currently holding in Montreal & Calgary each year - a more extensive series maybe held in Toronto. Easy for the Americans to get to, their money goes further here... no 30% held for taxes off the top... and no DNA at the border!
For now, my dreams of going to Vegas will be put on hold... at least until that 'you know who' is no longer trying to fk up the world.

Luvepoker · Jan 5, 2026

Shells said:
You are absolutely correct, Emily. The vast majority of people crossing the border will follow the rules, I believe. so, that alone should make the Border Patrol job a bit easier. I do get it, though...times they are a-changing.

Years ago we lived in a border city. I remember when we would cross the border (frequently), we provided very little information. We could cross with our Canadian birth certificate back then. Years later, we could present our drivers license, and in time we showed a passport or enchanced drivers license...you probably get the picture. It's the evolution of Border Crossing and only another thing to get used to. So, it is a bit nerve-wracking when changes come into place for regular folks like us but we do get used to it, if we want to travel anywhere.

I truly hope that's not the case because we really do like our American neighbours (and I know Americans like Canadians)!

I'll tell you this much, if they let me in, I will do my very best to contribute to the US economy! ♥️

I have been to Canada many times and love all my visits. Actually hoping to go there sometime soon for poker. I agree and hope thats not the case either but as I listen to the changes that are happening i find it insulting to my friends outside the states. I just have to wonder where we are going to be in the future on this and I admit i am concerned. I do hope you come for a visit soon shells.

GrannySmit77 · Jan 5, 2026

Shells said:
A lot of the new rules/practices in place for border crossing to the US are taking some time for everyone to get used to, including the Customs and Border Protection personnel.

Hopefully, once we fill in our Form I-94, we won't find it difficult to cross the border from Ontario, Canada, to the US, given that we are heading south for a couple of months in a few days.

I hope you don't have any issues crossing the border and you enjoy your time there and play lots of poker. Personally I prefer to let the dust settle on all the changes for Custom and Border practices and I won't travel to US anytime soon. If I really wanted to travel for poker there's so many EPT tournaments or wsop Europe choices. There's Bahamas and the series in Asia. Sure, it's more expensive, but you pay no taxes on tournament gains. I think Canadians will start looking at other places. After all, Vegas is so overpriced for the quality of service they offer. So many homeless people in distress on the Strip. There's way more things you can see as a tourist in Europe and play poker, too, if you want.

MK_ · Jan 5, 2026

tagece said:
Well, I went to the USA twice. Now I would spend U$ 720,00 only to make an appointment to an application to get visas to my family. As there is no a USA consulate in my city and is obligatory a presencial interview, I would have to spend with hotel and transportation. At least, one thousand dollars with no guarantee of obtaining the visas. That's why many Brazilians are choosing Europe and Asia in their vacations when travelling to foreign countries.

I think I would choose Europe or Asia too under the current circumstances, ... hopefully things will return to normal soon👍

najisami · Jan 5, 2026

Poker Orifice said:
Sounds like perfect time for W.S.O.P. to begin holding the World Series of Poker 'Canada' series. Something much bigger than the Circuit Events they are currently holding in Montreal & Calgary each year - a more extensive series maybe held in Toronto. Easy for the Americans to get to, their money goes further here... no 30% held for taxes off the top... and no DNA at the border!
For now, my dreams of going to Vegas will be put on hold... at least until that 'you know who' is no longer trying to fk up the world.

What a great idea! The WSOP taking place somewhere else, I would love to see that 🤪😂.

CDNMAN 42 · Friday at 7:13 PM

Shells said:
You are absolutely correct, Emily. The vast majority of people crossing the border will follow the rules, I believe. so, that alone should make the Border Patrol job a bit easier. I do get it, though...times they are a-changing.

Years ago we lived in a border city. I remember when we would cross the border (frequently), we provided very little information. We could cross with our Canadian birth certificate back then. Years later, we could present our drivers license, and in time we showed a passport or enchanced drivers license...you probably get the picture. It's the evolution of Border Crossing and only another thing to get used to. So, it is a bit nerve-wracking when changes come into place for regular folks like us but we do get used to it, if we want to travel anywhere.

I truly hope that's not the case because we really do like our American neighbours (and I know Americans like Canadians)!

I'll tell you this much, if they let me in, I will do my very best to contribute to the US economy! ♥️

Shells I am just a little surprised. you are anxious to contribute to the US economy while their Leader has stated his goal is to destroy the Canadian Economy. Some loyal y somewhere?

Propane Goat · Friday at 10:03 PM

If I wasn't already living in the US I wouldn't come here for free, but I tend to hold grudges like that anyway. There are still companies that I've been boycotting for decades because....reasons.......

rei signo · Saturday at 6:37 AM

GrannySmit77 said:
Espero que você não tenha problemas para cruzar a fronteira e que aproveite sua estadia lá, jogando bastante pôquer. Pessoalmente, prefiro esperar a poeira baixar em relação a todas as mudanças nas práticas alfandegárias e de fronteira, e não pretendo viajar para os EUA tão cedo. Se eu realmente quisesse viajar para jogar pôquer, há tantas opções de torneios do EPT ou da WSOP Europa. Há as Bahamas e a série na Ásia. Claro, é mais caro, mas você não paga impostos sobre os ganhos em torneios. Acho que os canadenses começarão a procurar outros lugares. Afinal, Las Vegas é muito cara para a qualidade do serviço que oferece. Há tantos moradores de rua em situação de vulnerabilidade na Strip. Há muito mais coisas para ver como turista na Europa e jogar pôquer também, se quiser.

Border regulations, technological changes, and the dust will only settle when they turn off the machines!

thejuice1 · Saturday at 10:19 AM

Luvepoker said:
I guess we no longer want people to visit the country. So very sad.

i mean like it or not and like the leader of the country or not, this is only about trying to keep the country safer by identifying and not allowing criminals into the country. its nothing more than that... wouldnt everyone want less criminals in their homeland? again, this has nothing to do with what the guy is or what you think of him... completely separate from this topic... its pretty simple.... would you rather have a criminal in your country, town, street, apartment complex, etc, or not?

its about not wanting CRIMINALS to visit the country anymore... not regular people (i.e. non criminals)

CDNMAN 42 · Saturday at 11:44 AM

I agree with your take on this Juice. I do remember when we could cross with virtually no ID. I lived in Windsor and crossed to Detroit every week for night school. back then we just got on the Tunnel bus paid our 10cents and went to Detroit. Both my sister and my Dad worked in Detroit also. so am familiar with the crossing and again it is just about screening out unwanted no, problem there

thejuice1 · Saturday at 12:07 PM

CDNMAN 42 said:
I agree with your take on this Juice. I do remember when we could cross with virtually no ID. I lived in Windsor and crossed to Detroit every week for night school. back then we just got on the Tunnel bus paid our 10cents and went to Detroit. Both my sister and my Dad worked in Detroit also. so am familiar with the crossing and again it is just about screening out unwanted no, problem there

im only in my middle 40s... and as a kid (until 15/16ish when we stopped going not due to any restrictions of any kind) as US citizens we never had to show even a basic ID of any kind to go from the US to canada. Things were way to lax back then. Again this (as is the case with whats going on in the States right now with ICE) is simply about getting Criminals off of the streets and out of the country. Nothing more and nothing less, regardless of what some media outlets and some people might be trying to tell you.... but with the media today, but especially many individuals as well, its about nothing more than pushing an agenda or a narrative... not telling the truth about anything. sad times we live in today, all over, thats for sure.

Travelling to the US for poker events? New travel rules have been put in place

Shells

Here for the snacks

Proposed Travel Rules Will Require Poker Players Visiting the U.S. to Submit DNA​

Tero

Legend

MK_

Legend

Shells

Here for the snacks

Emily Trott

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eberetta1

Legend

enno

Rock Star

Luvepoker

Lost in the twilight zone

Shells

Here for the snacks

Omar.Imrane

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Rmi

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Mazembe

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tagece

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Poker Orifice

And Still...

Luvepoker

Lost in the twilight zone

GrannySmit77

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MK_

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najisami

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CDNMAN 42

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Propane Goat

Grinder and paint make me the welder I ain't

rei signo

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thejuice1

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CDNMAN 42

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thejuice1

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Proposed Travel Rules Will Require Poker Players Visiting the U.S. to Submit DNA