Canada recorded another significant drop in international travel activity in December 2025, as total arrivals fell 12.7 percent year over year, marking the 11th consecutive month of decline, according to Statistics Canada. The decrease reflects ongoing changes in travel patterns, cross-border movement, and economic conditions affecting both visitors and returning residents.

Preliminary data shows that 4.6 million people entered Canada by air or automobile in December, continuing a downward trend that has persisted throughout most of the year.

Non-Resident Air Travel Shows Mixed Results

Non-resident arrivals by air totalled 752,700, representing a 1.1 percent decrease compared to December 2024. The decline was largely driven by an 8.9 percent drop in visitors from the United States, while overseas arrivals increased by 6.6 percent, partially offsetting losses.

Despite the overall decline, travel activity peaked during the holiday season. December 20 recorded the highest daily number of non-resident arrivals, nearly doubling typical Saturday volumes.

Canadian Residents Returning by Air and Land Decline Further

Canadian-resident return trips by air stood at 1.6 million, down 0.1 percent year over year. While returns from overseas increased by 10.4 percent, trips from the United States dropped sharply by 18.7 percent.

The most significant decline was observed in automobile travel from the United States, where Canadian-resident return trips fell 30.7 percent, totalling 1.3 million trips. This marked the 12th consecutive month of year-over-year declines in cross-border vehicle travel.

U.S. Visitor Trends Continue to Weaken

U.S. residents travelling to Canada by automobile declined 9.0 percent compared to December 2024, reinforcing a pattern of reduced short-term travel between the two countries. Although certain holiday weekends showed temporary spikes, overall movement remained well below previous years.

What the Data Signals Going Forward

The sustained decline in arrivals highlights broader shifts in tourism, business travel, and cross-border mobility. While overseas travel has shown signs of recovery, reduced movement between Canada and the United States continues to weigh heavily on total arrival numbers.

Statistics Canada notes that the figures are based on preliminary data, with final counts scheduled for release in February 2026.

Implications for Immigration and Travel Planning

Although these figures relate to travel rather than immigration applications, they provide valuable context for policy planning, border management, and economic forecasting. Reduced travel volumes can influence processing demand, tourism revenue, and transportation infrastructure planning in the months ahead. Canada’s travel recovery remains uneven. While overseas arrivals are improving, declines in U.S. travel and resident cross-border movement continue to shape the country’s international mobility landscape.

While travel trends continue to shift, immigration pathways and policy priorities are also evolving across Canada. Staying informed can help individuals and employers plan more effectively in a changing environment. For the latest immigration updates, expert insights, and tailored consultation support, visit ImmigCanada today.