Several European nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Finland, have issued updated travel advisories for citizens visiting the United States, warning of potential detainment and stricter immigration enforcement at U.S. borders.
The advisories come in response to recent executive orders by the Trump administration, which have intensified visa screening, border enforcement, and overall immigration policies. Foreign travelers, even those with valid documents, are being reminded that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the final say on entry, and being turned away is a real possibility.
Reports of European nationals being detained or deported have prompted German officials to investigate individual cases. Both the U.K. and Germany have warned travelers that holding a visa or an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) does not guarantee entry into the U.S. Officials stress that even minor infractions, such as previous visa overstays, could lead to detainment or removal.
Meanwhile, Denmark and Finland have issued separate warnings aimed at transgender and nonbinary travelers, citing concerns over their safety due to shifting social policies in certain U.S. states.
Tourism to the U.S. May Decline
As global travelers reconsider trips to the U.S., industry experts predict a potential drop in international arrivals. A new report by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, forecasts a 5.1% decline in foreign visitors in 2025, a sharp contrast to previous estimates of an 8.8% increase. The report also warns of a 10.9% drop in tourism spending, which could impact major travel hubs and businesses reliant on international visitors.
The U.S. State Department has reinforced that it will strictly enforce visa regulations and entry conditions, further emphasizing the unpredictability travelers may face at immigration checkpoints.
Foreign ministries continue to monitor the situation and advise travelers to remain informed, carry documentation proving their return plans, and be prepared for additional questioning upon arrival.
