Canada is approving fewer tourist visas and turning away more visitors at its borders this year, according to government data.
The data, obtained by Reuters, found that Canada refused entry to 5 853 foreign travellers at borders in July. According to the Canadian government, these people were “allowed to leave”.
The ratio of refused to approved visa applications rose in June 2024 to a level higher than at any point during the global pandemic. More applications were refused than approved in January, February, May and June 2024.
The high rejection rate comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Government tries to lower the number of temporary residents who have been blamed for a housing shortage and high house prices.
