Ireland is the latest European country moving to update their travel advice for the United States for its citizens traveling to the country.
The government’s website issued guidance for transgender travelers, saying that U.S. ESTA and visa application forms require travelers to declare their sex, which should reflect their biological sex at birth. Travelers with an “X” marker on their passport or whose gender differs from the one assigned at birth are advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Dublin for further information on specific entry requirements.
Why It Matters
This move comes after similar updates from other European countries, such as Finland, Denmark, the UK, and Germany, seemingly in response to President Donald Trump‘s broad crackdown on illegal immigration and transgender rights.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has enacted a series of executive orders rolling back rights for transgender and nonbinary individuals. On his first day back in office, he signed an order declaring that the government would recognize only two genders: male and female.
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What To Know
Irish travelers will need to obtain either a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waiver.
Denmark and Finland updated their travel guidance for transgender individuals intending to visit the United States last week.
Denmark has updated its visa rules for U.S. entry, stating that only two gender options, male or female, are available when applying for a U.S. visa. If your passport has an “X” gender designation or if your gender has changed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises contacting the American embassy for guidance before traveling.
In Finland, the advisory warns that U.S. authorities may deny entry if the gender on an applicant’s passport differs from the gender listed at birth. It’s recommended to verify entry requirements with U.S. authorities in advance. Finnish passports do not feature an “X” gender marker, and dual citizens with such a marker should also check with U.S. authorities beforehand.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has revised its travel guidance for British citizens planning to visit the U.S., warning that failure to meet entry requirements could result in arrest or detention.
Germany has informed its citizens that having a visa or entry waiver does not guarantee entry into the U.S.
The Netherlands and Belgium also updated their travel advice for LGBTQ+ citizens and all travelers heading to the U.S.
The Dutch foreign ministry has issued a warning that U.S. customs and laws concerning sexual minorities may differ from those in the Netherlands.
Belgium is also expected to update its guidance soon, citing “tighter border controls” and new challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, according to reports.
What Happens Next
As President Trump continues to reshape America’s domestic and foreign policy, it is expected that more European nations will update their travel guidance.
