Norway is the latest European country to update its travel information for the United States, informing its citizens of tighter entry conditions and changes around gender recognition.
The Norwegian foreign ministry confirmed to local media that it had made changes to its U.S. travel information.
Why It Matters
The update follows similar changes made by other European nations, which appear to be in response to President Donald Trump‘s policies regarding gender identity and immigration.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has sought to crack down on immigration as well as protections for transgender and nonbinary individuals.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
European travelers facing detainment and deportation by U.S. immigration authorities prompted the reevaluation, The Nordic Page reported.
Norway’s travel information for the U.S. notes that entry ultimately depends on the decision of immigration officials, even for those possessing a valid visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
It reads: “The 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.
“Criminal offences in the United States, false declarations about the purpose of stay, or that you have previously stayed in the United States longer than allowed can lead to rejection at the border.”
Norway’s guidance adds: “When applying for an ESTA or a visa to the United States, there are two gender designations to choose from: Male or female. The United States only recognizes the applicant’s gender at birth.”
It suggests that travelers whose current gender identity differs from the gender listed on their birth certificate should contact the U.S. Embassy before traveling.
Norway joins a growing list of European countries that have revised their information for citizens traveling to the U.S..
On Wednesday, Newsweek reported that Ireland had updated travel guidance for transgender travelers, noting that visa and ESTA forms requiring travelers to declare their sex should reflect their biological sex at birth.
Last week, Denmark and Finland updated their guidance for transgender people visiting the U.S.
Germany has also warned its citizens that possession of a visa or entry waiver does not guarantee entry.
The United Kingdom also updated its advice earlier this month, informing citizens of potential arrest or detention should travelers fail to comply with entry requirements.
Likewise, Belgium and the Netherlands have made moves to update their travel advice for LGBTQ+ citizens.
Statista
What People Are Saying
A Norwegian foreign ministry spokesperson told Newsweek: “Our travel information is updated regularly based on input from our embassies, who are instructed to make particular note of relevant information for LGBT travelers.
“For travelers whose gender differs from their gender at birth, we have added a recommendation that they contact the US embassy in Oslo with any questions.”
Laik Hanbaly, a Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, told VG: “We have today updated our travel information for the U.S. The update concerns entry requirements.”
What Happens Next
More countries are anticipated to update their travel guidance for the U.S. in the coming weeks.
Update, 03/28/2025, 06:14 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update, 03/28/2025, 09:40 a.m. ET: This article was updated with a new headline and comment from a Norwegian foreign ministry spokesperson.
