As immigration tightens across the U.S., foreign countries have begun updating or issuing travel advisories for those headed to America. These advisories are a result of recent challenges at the U.S. border. Additionally, countries have released targeted warnings for transgender travelers on account of the changes to U.S. passport policies.
The Visa Waiver Program permits many European travelers 90-days to stay and visit the U.S. However, recent incidents are having European countries warning their citizens that the proper documents might not be enough for entry.
As a result, U.S. tourism could see a drop as travelers worry about a smooth entry into one of the most visited countries in the world.
European countries that have issued travel advisories for the U.S.
The following countries have either issued or updated information in their travel advisories for the U.S.
Denmark
Denmark has edited its travel advisory in response to the new passport policies of the U.S. In its edits, Denmark explains that the U.S. only accepts passports with a gender selection of male or female. If Danes have a gender designation of “X,” they are advised to contact the American embassy to find out how to move forward with their U.S. visa application.
Finland
Finland’s advisory now warns trans travelers if their current sex on their passport differs from their sex at birth they risk being denied entry into the U.S.
France
Similarly, France’s advisory now states that applicants for a U.S. visa must state their gender at birth.
Germany
Three German citizens were recently detained upon trying to enter the U.S. Though they believed to have the proper documents for entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection have the right to deem travelers “inadmissible” for suspicion of any visa violations. A spokesperson for Germany’s Foreign Office said “the final decision on whether a person can enter the U.S. lies with the U.S. border authorities.”
Germany’s advisory updates made clear that German citizens are not guaranteed entry to the U.S. by solely having a visa or entry waiver.
Ireland
Irish trans travelers with an “X” gender marker on their passport are advised to reach out to the U.S. embassy in Dublin prior to traveling for specific travel requirements. Moreover, the country explains America’s new ruling that U.S. ESTA and visa application forms require the declaration of one’s sex at birth.
Norway
Norway cautions its citizens traveling to the U.S. that an “ESTA or visa does not guarantee entry. It is the immigration authorities on arrival who make the final decision. The Norwegian authorities cannot intervene in this decision.” Moreover, Norway updated its advisory reiterating that the U.S. only accepts the applicant’s gender at birth.
Portugal
Similar to Germany, The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs edited its travel guidance to the U.S. to alert travelers that an ESTA or visa does not grant automatic entry the the U.S. and it is ultimately up to the U.S. border agent upon arrival.
U.K.
In a March 14th, 2025 update to their advisory, the U.K. stated “the authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules.”
Though not a European country, Canada has also updated its guidelines for citizens traveling to the U.S. to exercise caution.