UK, Finland, Denmark join Germany in issuing US travel advisories

The United Kingdom, Finland and Denmark have joined Germany in updating their travel advisories for citizens traveling to the United States, citing recent immigration laws, enforcement practices and new U.S. policies affecting gender markers on travel documents.

Germany, Finland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom have updated their travel advisories for the United States. According to an advisory on Germany’s Foreign Office website, "the country warned that entry through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization system or a U.S. visa is not guaranteed every time and that the U.S. border control has the final decision," The Hill reported, with warning of harsh consequences for passport holders who violate U.S. immigration laws.

Story by Robin Bradshaw, Staff writer 

Tuesday but emphasized that the change did not constitute a travel warning, Reuters reported. 

The advanced travel advisories in other countries come after three German citizens were detained trying to enter the U.S., the report said. "Two of the three cases have been resolved, with the affected nationals returning to Germany, while the remaining case was being handled with the help of the consulate general in Boston."

The report added that the German, who had a green card residence permit, was detained at an airport in Boston and held in a detention facility. 

While tension has increased between the U.S. and Canada in the past few months with President Trump's economic tariff plans and messaging of Canada becoming the 51st state, both Canada and Australia encourage their citizens traveling to the U.S. to take normal security precautions, Newsweek reported. 

A spokesperson from Germany warned about the new border policies in the U.S. on Tuesday but emphasized that the change did not constitute a travel warning, Reuters reported. 

The advanced travel advisories in other countries come after three German citizens were detained trying to enter the U.S., the report said. "Two of the three cases have been resolved, with the affected nationals returning to Germany, while the remaining case was being handled with the help of the consulate general in Boston."

The report added that the German, who had a green card residence permit, was detained at an airport in Boston and held in a detention facility. 

While tension has increased between the U.S. and Canada in the past few months with President Trump's economic tariff plans and messaging of Canada becoming the 51st state, both Canada and Australia encourage their citizens traveling to the U.S. to take normal security precautions, Newsweek reported. 

Culturally, many artists and touring musicians from neighboring Canada have reservations when performing in the U.S. or have canceled performances, Rolling Stone reported. Canadians feel disrespected, according to Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, who recently stated that Trump's tariff laws are an assault on their economy.  

What Do International Travel Warnings About the US Actually Mean?

Travel advisories are not travel bans—they're official guidance issued by a government to help its citizens make informed decisions about visiting a foreign country. These advisories can be based on a range of factors, including political unrest, crime, health risks, or, in this case, immigration enforcement practices.

The German Foreign Office warns that even travelers with valid visas or approved ESTA travel authorization may be denied entry.

"The approval of an ESTA application or the issuance of a visa does not guarantee entry into the USA," the office states. "The final decision is made by the U.S. border authorities at the time of entry."

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) echoed that message:

"You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules."

Could These Warnings Hurt US Tourism?

The United States remains one of the most visited countries in the world, but coordinated warnings from countries like the UK and Germany could impact traveler confidence, particularly among non-essential or first-time visitors.

The UK and Germany send millions of tourists to the U.S. each year. If those travelers perceive the US as unpredictable or unwelcoming at the border, it could affect tourism revenue, particularly in major destinations like New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.

While most travelers enter without issue, the highly publicized nature of the warnings—especially involving valid documentation—may cause some to seek alternatives.

What It Means When a Country Warns Citizens About Traveling to America

For multiple allied nations to issue travel warnings about the U.S. within a matter of days is highly unusual. While each country framed its advisory independently, the messaging is consistent: entry is no longer viewed as routine or guaranteed.

The warnings suggest a growing concern that US immigration enforcement practices are inconsistent, even toward citizens of countries with close diplomatic ties and longstanding visa-waiver agreements.

reported by newsweek