Travel to the United States: Recommendations from European countries are evolving

IN BRIEF

Europe adjusts its travel recommendations for the United States.
France follows suit after other countries like Germany and the United Kingdom.
Warnings about the tightening of immigration policy by the Trump Administration.
Risk of deportation for travelers not complying with the rules.
Particulars for transgender individuals and those with X gender designation on their documents.
Calls to contact embassies before departure for updated information.
Canada also alerts its citizens about the new guidelines.

Travel to the United States: European countries adjust their recommendations and alert their citizens #

Amid a backdrop of reinforced immigration policies by the Trump Administration, many European countries, including France, are modifying their recommendations to nationals wishing to travel to the United States. These adjustments follow incidents of deportations and arrests of European citizens at the American border. Foreign ministries therefore emphasize the importance of strictly adhering to entry rules and warn about the consequences of non-compliance.

Reasons for the European warnings #

European governments are issuing warnings to their citizens eager to visit the United States in reaction to a clear tightening of U.S. immigration policy. These warnings, coming from several foreign ministries, highlight the necessity of complying with new entry rules. Indeed, despite possessing seemingly valid travel documents, American authorities retain the final say regarding admission to their territory. This means a traveler can be denied entry even if they are administratively compliant.

Specifics of the warnings #

Particular attention is being paid to recent legislation adopted in the United States. For example, the presidential decree by Donald Trump, dated January 20, 2025, recognizes only two genders, male and female, which has significant implications for transgender individuals. Many countries, including France, recommend that travelers check their situation before going to the United States. This includes advice on identification documents and gender designations, such as passports with an “X” designation.

Actions of European ministries #

Diverse foreign ministries, notably those of Denmark and Finland, have taken explicit measures by advising transgender citizens to contact the American embassy before their trip. The Danish ministry has advised travelers to obtain clarification on applicable rules, especially if their gender is marked as “X” on their passport. Similarly, Finland has clarified that any discrepancy between the gender indicated on the passport and the gender at birth could result in visa or ESTA application denial.

Consequences for travelers #

The situation has worsened in Germany, where several citizens have been arrested and detained by American authorities. The German government has emphasized that even minor infractions, such as incorrect declarations regarding the purpose of stay or slight overstay, can have serious consequences. German authorities remind that an ESTA or visa does not guarantee entry into the United States and that it is crucial to inform travelers about the implications of their legal status.

Reactions from other European countries #

In the United Kingdom, authorities are also urging their citizens to ensure they comply with all entry rules to avoid any risk of arrest. This approach echoes recent incidents, including the detainment of a British tourist at the American border. Moreover, Canada is also adjusting its guidelines, indicating that Canadians staying in the United States beyond 30 days must register with the American government, with penalties for any violations.

Increased vigilance for LGBTQ+ travelers #

The situation is particularly concerning for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In Iceland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is developing specific recommendations for this community, in collaboration with the organization Samtökin ’78. The goal is to inform travelers about the risks involved in traveling to the United States, encouraging caution before making any travel decisions.

These adjustments in the recommendations from European countries reflect a desire to protect their citizens in the face of an increasingly complex and unpredictable immigration environment. Travelers must therefore be aware of the new measures in place and the potential consequences before considering a trip to the United States.

For more information on travel advice, please consult the following links:
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