the German government has issued a formal travel advisory for citizens planning to travel to the United States, citing concerns over intensified immigration enforcement and recent changes to U.S. federal policies—particularly those affecting transgender and nonbinary individuals.
The warning, updated in March 2025, urges German nationals to exercise heightened caution when entering the U.S., even if they have valid travel documents such as an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or visa.
Stricter Immigration Checks and Detentions
The advisory comes after several reported cases of German citizens being detained, questioned for extended periods, or denied entry at U.S. border checkpoints. German officials say that entry into the United States is no longer guaranteed, even for travelers who have cleared the usual screening process.
“Holding an ESTA or a valid visa does not ensure entry into the country,” reads the official statement from the German Foreign Office. “Entry decisions rest solely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.”
Travelers are advised to carry all necessary documentation, avoid inconsistent answers during questioning, and be aware that officers have broad discretionary powers at the border.
Warning for Transgender and Nonbinary Travelers
One of the most striking elements of the advisory is its specific focus on LGBTQ+ travelers, especially those whose official documents include nonbinary gender markers. The warning follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in early 2025 that redefines gender federally as strictly male or female, effectively erasing legal recognition of nonbinary and some transgender identities at the federal level.
This move has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. The German advisory warns that transgender and nonbinary individuals could face:
- Increased scrutiny during customs and immigration checks
- Difficulties with gender marker discrepancies on official documents
- Potential detainment, delays, or even denial of entry
“Travelers whose gender identity does not conform to the binary system now enforced in U.S. federal policy should weigh the risks involved in traveling to the United States,” the advisory notes.
Germany’s travel warning comes amid growing international concern over the implications of the U.S. administration’s recent policies. Human rights organizations have flagged the move as a potential violation of international standards on gender identity and expression, calling it “regressive and discriminatory.”
Germany is one of several European nations that legally recognize nonbinary gender identities and has emphasized inclusive documentation for its citizens. The policy shift in the U.S. marks a stark divergence from that approach.
What Travelers Should Do
German travelers to the U.S. are advised to:
- Double-check their documentation for consistency with U.S. entry policies
- Consider consulting legal resources or embassy contacts before departure
- Be prepared for extended processing times at airports and land borders
- Postpone non-essential travel if concerned about being affected by the new policies
This travel advisory underscores a deepening rift in values and policies between allies, and raises serious questions about how international travelers—especially LGBTQ+ individuals—will be treated at U.S. borders under the current administration.