Wednesday, March 26, 2025
France has officially joined Germany, the UK, Finland, Denmark, and Canada in issuing new travel warnings for citizens planning to visit the United States, responding to stricter entry rules recently introduced under the Trump administration. The French foreign ministry now cautions that travelers must declare their gender assigned at birth when applying for a U.S. visa or through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), in line with an executive order signed by Trump. The advisory urges citizens to monitor updates from the U.S. Embassy and to remain vigilant, especially those whose gender identity does not match the sex on their official documents.
This change comes in response to a decree signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, directing federal agencies to recognize only two genders—male and female—as determined at birth. Nonbinary or transgender travelers are now required to identify with their assigned sex at birth, a policy shift that has raised alarm among civil rights groups and foreign governments alike.
A Coordinated Shift in European Travel Guidance
France’s advisory calls on travelers to “strongly consult” the U.S. Embassy in Paris and monitor for “any changes or new measures adopted” by U.S. authorities. While the language remains cautious, the French warning echoes more direct advisories already published by other European governments.
Germany, Denmark, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Canada have all revised their official guidance for citizens traveling to the U.S., particularly for those who may be affected by the policy change. These countries have explicitly highlighted risks for transgender and nonbinary travelers, advising caution or in some cases, direct consultation with U.S. embassies before departure.
Denmark has gone further than France, explicitly warning that transgender people may be barred from entering the United States. The Danish foreign ministry suggests that travelers whose passport gender does not match their assigned sex at birth could be turned away at the border.
Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a similar statement, warning that U.S. authorities may deny entry to travelers whose documents show a gender that does not align with the one assigned at birth. It also referenced Trump’s executive order, stating that it limits federal recognition to only two sexes, “which could result in additional scrutiny or rejection at ports of entry.”
Germany updated its travel advisory to clarify that even those with valid visas or ESTA approvals are not guaranteed entry. “The final decision as to whether a person can enter the United States rests with the American border authorities,” a foreign office spokesperson said. German nationals have reportedly faced detentions in recent months, including one green card holder who was held for weeks.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warned British citizens to fully comply with all entry and visa requirements, emphasizing that any violation—intentional or not—could result in detention or arrest. The advisory also urges travelers uncertain about how the new policies may affect them to contact the U.S. Embassy.
Canada has also responded, asking citizens to register trips longer than 30 days and citing specific incidents at U.S. borders. One Canadian woman reported being detained for nearly two weeks despite having valid documentation, describing the experience as akin to being “kidnapped.”
A Growing List of Incidents and Unease
Beyond the travel advisories, there has been a spike in reports of aggressive questioning, detentions, and denied entry at U.S. ports of entry involving travelers affected by the gender recognition policy. Advocacy groups say the new rules could open the door to widespread discrimination and confusion.
Countries are reacting not only to the official decree but also to what they view as an increasing lack of clarity and predictability at U.S. borders. The overarching concern is that travelers may be subjected to harsh treatment based on their gender identity or discrepancies in official documentation.
Trump’s Policy Shift and Geopolitical Fallout
The warning from France comes amid a dramatic shift in U.S. policy under Trump’s return to office. The decree mandating recognition of only biological sex has become a lightning rod for criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and international leaders. The move has also intensified scrutiny of how the U.S. treats foreign nationals at its borders.
Trump has also made headlines in recent weeks with controversial foreign policy positions, including remarks about potentially annexing Canada and Greenland, prompting backlash and even trip cancellations from Canadian tourists. The Washington Post reported that some Canadians have already canceled visits to the U.S. in protest.
Meanwhile, a February analysis from Tourism Economics warned that if Trump pursues an expanded trade war or enforces broad tariffs, inbound travel to the U.S. could drop by over 15 percent compared to baseline projections.
France has joined Germany, the UK, Finland, Denmark, and Canada in warning travelers about stricter U.S. entry rules under the Trump administration, including a new requirement to declare gender assigned at birth on visa and ESTA applications.
What You Should Do If You’re Planning U.S. Travel
If you are a traveler from any of the countries that have issued warnings — especially if you are transgender or nonbinary — officials recommend:
- Reviewing the latest travel guidance from your government
- Consulting with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before departure
- Ensuring that all travel documents match your gender assigned at birth
- Being aware that final entry decisions are made at the discretion of U.S. border officers, regardless of prior authorization
While the United States remains a major travel destination, the rules around entry — and the experience at the border — have changed significantly. With more countries updating advisories and warning their citizens, the message is clear: proceed with caution, be informed, and prepare for heightened scrutiny.
