In a coordinated move with several European allies, Canada updated its travel advisory for citizens visiting the United States, citing changes in U.S. immigration policy and enforcement under President Donald Trump.
Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Finland issued similar warnings, pointing to heightened scrutiny at borders, increased visa restrictions, and new federal guidelines that reportedly impact transgender and nonbinary travelers.
These advisories reflect growing diplomatic concern over how recent U.S. policy shifts are affecting foreign nationals—particularly tourists and long-term visitors—and mark a rare instance of multiple NATO allies publicly cautioning citizens about travel to the United States.
Why Has Canada Changed Its Travel Advice?
Canada’s government now requires citizens staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days to register with U.S. authorities, warning that failure to do so could result in fines or misdemeanor charges. The new measure appears to align with a broader shift by the U.S. to more strictly monitor foreign nationals residing within its borders.
Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP
“Canadians and other foreign nationals visiting the United States for periods longer than 30 days must be registered with the United States Government. Failure to comply with the registration requirement could result in penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution,” the advisory states.
Prior to this update, Canadians were not required to register or obtain a visa for extended stays in the U.S., making the advisory a significant change in cross-border travel norms between the two countries.
The advisory update comes amid reports that Canadian and other foreign tourists have been detained at the U.S. border over visa concerns and documentation mismatches. The move also follows an executive order from Trump that rescinded policies allowing transgender, intersex and nonbinary individuals to update their passport sex designation, replacing it with a binary-only system of male or female recognition.
Which Countries Have Issued Travel Warnings for the U.S.?
Germany’s updated guidance states that even travelers with a valid visa or authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) are not guaranteed entry into the U.S., and that U.S. Customs and Border Protection retains the ultimate authority at the point of entry. “The final decision as to whether a person can enter the United States rests with the American border authorities,” a German foreign office spokesperson said on Wednesday.
The U.S. Department of State told Newsweek: “The majority of German nationals seek admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and obtain an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) prior to being granted boarding.
“We will only issue U.S. visas with a male or female sex marker that matches the applicant’s biological sex as defined in E.O. 14168.”
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has similarly cautioned British citizens that they “should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry.” The advisory emphasizes that enforcement is strict, and any violation could result in arrest or detention. “If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in the U.K.,” the guidance advises.
Travel advisories from Denmark and Finland have highlighted specific concerns for transgender and nonbinary travelers, particularly in relation to changes in U.S. passport recognition policy. Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that individuals whose passport gender does not match their gender assigned at birth may have their visa or travel permit denied. Denmark’s government issued similar advice, warning of possible detentions.
“If your passport has the gender designation X or you have changed gender, it is recommended to contact the U.S. embassy prior to travel for guidance on how to proceed,” Denmark’s foreign ministry stated.
The updated warnings follow several high-profile cases involving European nationals. A British tourist was reportedly detained for two weeks over a visa issue at the Canadian border. Two Germans residing in the U.S. were also detained after returning from Mexico. Another German national faced questioning by immigration agents after a family visit to Luxembourg.
None of the updated advisories directly reference Trump, but all have been issued within the first two months of his second term, coinciding with rapid shifts in federal policy on immigration and gender recognition.
