An increasing number of nations are issuing travel warnings for the United States, includingCanada and several European nations, causing some visitors to rethink their travel plans. Although most government warnings do not state the reason for their addition, the timing suggests a connection to the Trump administration’s executive orders on immigration and the strengthening of border regulations.
The main goal is to prevent unauthorized entry,Larry Yu, a professor of hospitality management at The George Washington University’s School of Business, statesCondé NastTravelerHowever, the executive orders are also connected to other matters such as transgender identification, which actually creates a significant amount of confusion, uncertainty, and worry for the U.S. travel sector.
Several European nations that have issued U.S. travel advisories have highlighted theWhite House’s executive orderwhich states “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” possibly creating problems for transgender travelers who identify as a different gender or”X” gender indicators on their passports.
The increase in travel alerts is already significantly affecting US tourism, as noted by Yu, with several of the warnings coming from nations that are major contributors to visitors arriving in the US, such as Canada, the UK, andGermany.
The image the US has consistently presented is that we are open and diverse,” Yu says. “Although there is no prior example, the current administration has updated registrations to recognize two genders, which is a significant issue for thetransgender community.”
The United States is expected to miss out on $12.5 billion in revenue from international tourists this year, as reported by areport from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) published in May, referencing a 22.5% drop from the highest level of international tourist spending, declining to $169 billion from $181 billion in the previous year.
This serves as a warning to the U.S. government. The world’s largest travel and tourism economy is moving in the wrong direction, not due to insufficient demand, but because of inaction,The president and CEO of WTTC, Julia Simpson, stated in a releaseWhere other countries are extending a warm welcome, the US government is displaying a ‘closed’ sign.
International arrival figures are already reflecting a significant drop. Total visits fell by 14% in March 2025 compared to the previous year, with a 17% decrease in travelers from Western Europe, marking the first decline since 2021. Tourism coming from Asia remains 25% lower than pre-2019 levels,according to the United States Travel Association.
But the greatest effect is being observed from Canada, as Canadiansboycott travel to AmericaAirlines such as Air Canada and WestJet have reduced their routes and aircraft capacity heading to the United States. The US Travel Association has cautioned that U.S. states that were previously favored by Canadian tourists—Florida, California, Nevada, New York, and Texas—might experience drops in retail and hospitality income as a consequence.
Small-group adventure travel company Intrepid Travelhas observed a “significant decrease in demand for travel to the United States,” as stated by its CEO James Thornton. The company has reported a 25% reduction in US bookings compared to the same period last year, according to him, while other locations have experienced an overall increase of 14%. Although this data “emphasizes the importance of creating a more inviting atmosphere that encourages the tourism sector and its essential function in linking people globally,” Thornton notes that the US “remains a highly desirable place to visit.”
Although the exact reasons why international travelers are avoiding the US might be more complex, one fact is evident: there has been a recent increase in travel advisories from foreign governments, and the US is experiencing a notable drop in international visitors. Along with the recent$250 visa integrity feeSome tourists may now face fees, and the future of the United States as a leading travel destination is being called into doubt.
Here are the countries that have issued or revised warnings for their citizens about traveling to the United States.
This is an ongoing news report and will be updated with additional details as they are released.
Jump to
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- China
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Portugal
- United Kingdom
International travel advisories for the United States are not completely new; however, most of those issued recently have been posted.previousYears have focused on gun violence. Uruguay and Japan both issued warnings to their citizens following the 2019 Dayton, Ohio, shooting. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairscurrently lists gun crimerecognized as a “significant public safety issue in the United States,” featuring guidance on safety and data regarding the typical places and times when shootings occur.Japanalso cautions regarding the significant prevalence of hate crimes in the United States influenced by race, sexual orientation, and faith.
Australia
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)first revised its U.S. travel recommendations in April, when it informed its citizens that US border authorities may “actively pursue, detain, or deport individuals who are in the country without proper documentation” and “examine electronic devices, emails, text messages, or social media profiles.” A few days later, further information was released, stating that Australians residing in the US for more than 30 days are required to register withU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Then, in early May, a notice was added concerning theEnforcing REAL ID for domestic travel within the United States.
The government’s Smart Traveller siteStill maintains the US at a Level 1 green alert, advising to “take normal safety measures.” However, its most recent update published on June 24 urges travelers to “stay away from areas with demonstrations and protests because of the risk of chaos and violence,” and encourages Australian citizens to keep an eye on local news for information and to comply with curfews and the guidance of officials.
In addition, the website mentions that upon entering the United States, border officers “possess extensive authority to determine your eligibility for entry and can conclude that you are ineligible for any reason specified in U.S. law.”
Belgium
While the Belgian foreign ministry’s sitestates it’s “relatively safe” to visit the US for work or vacation, it also advises: “If you face issues with immigration officials or are deported, you can reach out to American authorities through theTravel Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) website.”
The site also informsIt is the case that travelers to the U.S. “must specify their gender as ‘male’ or ‘female’ when applying for an ESTA or visa,” with the note that “the United States refers to this as the person’s sex assigned at birth.”
Its latest update in Julyis directed towards international students in the United States, indicating that 1,600 student visas have been canceled since March.
Canada
With 20.4 million visits by Canadian visitors in 2024, the United States’ northern neighbor is its leading source of international visitors, contributing $20.5 billion in expenditures. Beginning April 11, 2025, Canadians who remain in the U.S. for more than 30 days will be required to register with the U.S. government.
The Canadian governmenthas updated its US travel advice regarding the new entry and exit regulations, warning that not registering through aI-94 form or the new Form G-325R on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ServicesThe USCIS website states that “it could lead to penalties, fines, and misdemeanor charges.”
This is intriguing because there has been an immigration policy for citizens from other nations, but in Canada’s situation, it was never truly enforced with strictness,” Yu states. “Now, the Canadian government is emphasizing that you must adhere to the regulations.
Yu points out that there is still “some uncertainty and concerns” about the new process as the digital immigration portal is being launched. Although the site claims it makes “immigration simpler,” the top banner on the page is fortechnical support.
China
Economic conflicts between the United States and China prompted its Ministry of Culture and Tourism to issue awarning to its citizens on April 9″Because of the worsening Sino-US economic and trade relations and the domestic security conditions in the United States,” the government agency is urging “Chinese travelers to thoroughly evaluate the risks associated with visiting the United States and to exercise caution while traveling,” the notice states.
Denmark
The Nordic nation advised transgender travelers on March 20 to be cautious when visiting the United States. Thecurrent advice notes,Opinions regarding LGBT+ individuals may differ across the nation.
The latest additionAt the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website in mid-June, there was an emphasis on the summer and fall wildfire season: “Wildfires may lead to road closures. Air quality can be impacted. In extremely severe cases, local authorities might decide to evacuate those in affected areas,” it states.
Finland
In April, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed its citizensto “reconsider travel to the United States because of heightened border control, political unrest, and dangers faced by at-risk populations.” The Nordic country previouslyupdated its travel advisory for the United StatesOn March 14, it warned its citizens that if their passports show a gender marker different from what was assigned at birth, “US authorities could deny entry.”
France
France joined several other European countries in issuing a warning on the evening of March 24 by updatingthe travel recommendations from its foreign ministryCitizens traveling to the United States are now “strongly advised” to visit the embassy’s website and contact their airlines to “review any updates or new regulations.”
Separate warningswildfires and tornadoes in the US were highlighted by the French government in March and May, stating that “the risk of natural disasters and extreme weather is significantly higher than in Europe.”
Germany
Germany first updated its U.S. travel advisory on March 19 to state that visas and entry waivers do not ensure entry, followingSeveral of its residents were held in custody. Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also includedupdates regarding gender identification, stating “travelers to the United States must indicate either ‘male’ or ‘female’ on ESTA or visa applications,” and that individuals with an “X” gender designation or those whose gender differs from their assigned sex at birth should contact the U.S. diplomatic mission in Germany before entering the country.
Its Foreign Office also warnsregarding terrorism and criminal activity, along with volatile political conditions, it notes, “there is still an increased likelihood of violence driven by political motives.” At the top of its page, there is also guidance concerning the US wildfire season, which runs from June to December, particularly in California, Washington, and Oregon.
Ireland
Ireland updated its travel tips for the United StatesOn March 28, 2025, guidance was added for transgender individuals from Ireland, noting: “The ESTA and visa application forms for the US ask travelers to indicate their sex. The US authorities have stated that this should correspond to what they call the traveler’s biological sex at birth.”
“Previous criminal records in the United States, providing false details about the intent of your visit on your visa or ESTA application, or even a minor overstay can lead to significant repercussions,” states the website of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs. However, they also mention that “the majority” of travelers do not face any problems.
It also mentions that the U.S. states of Arizona, Utah, Indiana, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama have passed laws aimed at addressing illegal immigration, which allow “law enforcement officers to inquire about an individual’s immigration status and to detain people they believe are in the country illegally.” They recommend that travelers always have their documents on hand in case they are required to show them to police.
Netherlands
While the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairsstill shows the US as green on its safety travel level, its travel guidance page was updated on April 4, which included: “Please be aware that laws and traditions in the US regarding LGBTQ+ individuals may vary from those in the Netherlands.”No further updateshave occurred since that time.
New Zealand
In contrast to most nations on this list, New Zealand actually raised the US travel advisory rating on its four-tier system. In November of last year, it moved the US to Level 2, urging New Zealanders to “take increased precautions,”a caution that endures to this day.
It specifically mentions that there is a “higher rate of violent crime and gun ownership compared to New Zealand,” emphasizing the potential for active shooter situations as well as minor offenses. Similar to Australia, it advises its residents to register if they plan to stay longer than 30 days and to carry photo identification that complies with REAL ID requirements. The site also mentions that “the U.S. government has strict regulations for entering and remaining in the country” and warns that “you could face increased attention from U.S. border officials when you arrive.”
Portugal
The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has updated itstravel guidanceFor visitors from other countries, it’s important to note: “Having an ESTA or visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The ultimate determination is always made by the border officer when you arrive in the country.” It also recommends that non-binary travelers “fill out forms and submit declarations at the time of arrival using the gender assigned at birth.”
The Portuguese administration also emphasizesspecific regions of the country pose safety hazardsIncluding areas such as Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, along with Baltimore, which is described as “a dangerous city, except for the city center.” Regarding New York City, it advises that after nightfall, tourists should only explore Central Park, Harlem, and the Bronx in groups.
United Kingdom
The UK revised its travel guidance for British citizens traveling to the United States, using more stringent language: In February,it stated”the authorities in the US establish and enforce entry regulations,” the languagewas changed in Marchto claim that these rules are applied “strictly,” which continues to be the case on the site as of the time of publication.
“They’re essentially advising people to verify the requirements since it’s quite challenging to identify any specific details at this time,” Yu says, referencing examples such asEuropean travelers, such as a citizen from the United Kingdom, being held at the borderHere is a broad recommendation: Conduct your research and if you’re uncertain, consult the US embassy.
On June 11, additional information was addedto inform British citizens about demonstrations taking place throughout the country, generally stating: “No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
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