Why Canada, UK, Germany, Denmark, And Finland Are Urging Their Citizens To Reconsider Travel To The United States

Published on April 12, 2025

In recent weeks, several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Finland, have issued updated travel warnings for the United States due to escalating concerns over border security, political tensions, and discriminatory policies. These nations are urging their citizens to reconsider traveling to the US, citing stricter immigration enforcement, potential detention risks, and challenges faced by vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ+ travelers. These advisories come amid growing diplomatic strains, particularly following the US administration’s policies on trade and immigration, which have raised alarm across the globe.

Mounting Travel Warnings to the US Prompt Global Concern

A growing number of countries have updated their travel advisories for the United States in recent weeks, raising alarm over immigration enforcement, discriminatory policies, and increased scrutiny at border crossings. On April 9, China became the latest to issue a caution, urging its citizens to “fully assess the risks” before visiting the US.

Nations including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Finland have similarly revised their guidance, citing evolving political tensions and specific concerns for vulnerable travelers.

Tensions Escalate Amid Tariff Wars and Diplomatic Rifts

China’s latest warning comes as relations with the US continue to sour over trade disputes. President Donald Trump’s newly implemented “Liberation Day” tariffs—announced on April 2—impose a 10 percent levy on all imports, with steeper rates for certain countries, including China. In retaliation, Beijing raised tariffs on American goods, reigniting fears of a prolonged trade war.

Despite Trump pausing some of the proposed tariffs for 90 days, China and the US remain locked in a tit-for-tat economic battle. Beijing’s travel alert reflects broader diplomatic friction, highlighting rising risks for Chinese citizens visiting the United States.

Concerns Over Detention and Border Enforcement

The UK recently amended its US travel advice to warn that travelers violating US entry rules could face arrest or detention. While officials declined to elaborate, the change followed a case in which a British woman was held in US custody for more than ten days over a suspected visa issue. She has since returned to the UK, but the incident prompted public concern and official intervention.

Germany issued a similar update on March 11, clarifying that neither ESTA approval nor a valid US visa guarantees entry. The advisory followed cases where German nationals were detained at US borders despite having all necessary travel documentation.

Stricter Border Checks and Legal Risks for Canadians

Canada has also updated its travel guidance, particularly for long-term visitors. Travelers staying in the US for more than 30 days are now required to register with American authorities. Failing to do so may result in fines or even prosecution. In early April, Canada added further warnings about heightened security measures at border crossings, referencing reports from immigration lawyers about intensified checks.

Barriers for LGBTQ and Non-Binary Travelers

In March, several European countries expressed concern about discriminatory treatment of LGBTQ travelers, especially transgender and non-binary individuals. Denmark’s foreign ministry advised transgender citizens to consult the US embassy prior to departure.

These alerts followed a US executive order signed by Trump that mandates the legal definition of sex be restricted to male or female on federal documents, eliminating recognition of non-binary identities. The US State Department has since halted the issuance of passports bearing an “X” gender marker and rescinded policies allowing individuals to change the gender listed on their passports.

Finland’s foreign ministry warned that travelers whose passport gender entries differ from their birth-assigned sex might be denied entry by US border authorities. France also updated its guidance, stressing the need for travelers to use their gender assigned at birth when filling out US visa or ESTA applications.

Germany echoed this, advising individuals with “X” gender markers or gender discrepancies in official documents to contact the nearest US consulate in advance for clarification on entry protocols.

Global Repercussions and Growing Hesitation

As these advisories multiply, many international travelers are reconsidering their plans to visit the United States. What began as policy shifts around immigration and trade is now impacting public perception, creating fresh diplomatic strain and underscoring the widening gap between US policies and global expectations on human rights, transparency, and international mobility.