European nations tighten US travel advisories amid detentions

Several European countries have updated their travel advisories for the United States following the detention of multiple European nationals, including German citizens, upon arrival.

Germany’s Foreign Office stated on Saturday that it is taking recent incidents involving German travelers seriously, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We have clarified and now clearly emphasize that an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval or a US visa does not, in every case, authorize entry into the US,” a spokesperson told public broadcaster ARD’s Tagesschau.

The advisory update follows reports of three German nationals being detained at US entry points, including one green card holder. Two of the individuals have since returned to Germany.

In response to these incidents, Britain also revised its travel guidance, warning of strict enforcement of US immigration laws.

“You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules,” the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said on Thursday.

Britain’s foreign office confirmed earlier this month that it was providing support to a British national reportedly detained at the US border, according to Reuters.

Finland issued a similar update on Friday, cautioning that even valid travel documents might not guarantee entry under current US policies.

The Finnish Foreign Ministry also noted recent changes requiring visa or ESTA applicants to declare both their gender and gender at birth, which could lead to denied entry if inconsistencies are found.

Both Denmark and Finland have updated their travel guidance regarding gender markers on travel documents.

Additionally, Finnish authorities warned travelers to avoid large gatherings in major US cities, citing the risk of politically motivated demonstrations turning violent.

According to Finnish broadcaster Yle, the tightened advisories reflect evolving US immigration policy under President Donald Trump’s new term.

On Friday, Canada also updated its travel guidelines for entering the US.

Canadians and foreign nationals who visit the US for more than 30 days “must be registered with the United States government,” the government’s website warns—failure to comply could lead to “penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution.”