Several European countries have revised their travel guidance for citizens planning trips to the United States, with specific new advisories for transgender and non-binary travellers.
It comes after President Donald Trump initiated policies in January establishing federal recognition of only two biological sexes – male and female. For LGBTQ+ travellers, it compounds concerns about visiting the US, where local state laws and social climates can already create distressing situations.
On top of this, an executive order issued by Trump involving tighter border security, stricter visa screening and an immigration crackdown alongside a general souring of the US’s relationship with Europe has many European tourists rethinking travel to the US.
LGBTQ+ travellers fear detention at US borders
Trump’s new policies have created uncertainty – especially for transgender and non-binary travellers, as US immigration authorities may now require documentation showing their ‘sex at birth’.
It means that individuals whose legal gender markers on official documents such as passports, visas or visa waivers don’t match their birth sex – or who have ‘X’ gender markers rather than ‘M’ or ‘F’ – could face challenges when attempting to enter the US.
The situation has raised particular concerns about the possibility of being detained at the border for those whose documentation doesn’t align with the new US requirements.
Travellers should be prepared to answer routine questions from immigration officers about the purpose of their visit, the duration of their stay, and where they plan to stay. Officials may take visitors for a second round of questioning, which is longer and more detailed.
Dozens of European countries issue US travel warnings
As a result of the new policies, several European countries have issued new travel advisories in the last few months.
Denmark and Germany recommend those with X gender markers on their passport or who have changed gender to contact the US embassy before travelling.
Finland warns that US authorities may deny travel permits if a traveller’s passport gender doesn’t match their birth gender.
Ireland cautions that US visa waiver forms require declaring ‘biological sex at birth’ and recommends contacting the US Embassy for specific requirements.
The Netherlands states that gender at birth must be indicated when applying for ESTA or a visa and notes that some US states have laws with “negative consequences for LGBTIQ+ people”.
Portugal, Finland, Germany and a handful of other European nations have also emphasised that having proper documentation – like a visa or visa waiver – doesn’t guarantee entry after some European travellers experienced problems at the border.
Cases like that of three German nationals who were denied entry and detained as they tried to enter the US in March have prompted these reminders.
Final decisions, they have warned, rest with border agents.
European travellers are increasingly reluctant to travel to the US
In 2023, EU data shows that Europeans spent around $155 billion (€141 billion) on trips to the US.
But unease surrounding entry regulations, immigration crackdowns and stricter visa screening since Donald Trump became President has sparked a sharp decline in the number of foreign travellers visiting the country.
Preliminary data from the US National Travel and Tourism Office shows that the number of visitors to the US from Western Europe dropped by 1 per cent year on year in February compared to a 14 per cent year on year increase during the same month last year.
French hotel group Accor SA has reported a 25 per cent drop in bookings from Europe to the US for this summer.
LGBTQ+ travel agencies say inquiries from their customers reflect this growing apprehension, too.
Darren Burn, CEO of luxury LGBTQ+ travel agency Out of Office, says they have seen “a noticeable increase in our LGBTQ+ clients expressing concerns about travel to the US.”
“These queries often relate to safety in public spaces, legal protections, and how they may be treated at borders or hotels,” he adds.
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) has also seen a rise in concerns from LGBTQ+ travelers.
President John Tanzella says, “these concerns are completely valid”.
“Many travelers are worried about access to gender-affirming care, border security, passport gender markers, and overall safety – particularly in states where anti-LGBTQ+ policies have been enacted,” he adds.
Advice for LGBTQ+ travellers on visiting the US
Travellers with concerns about visiting the US can get in touch with IGLTA’s Gender Diverse Travel Advisory Group (GTAG).
The volunteer-led group of industry leaders from around the world is committed to “ensuring trans and gender-diverse travellers can move freely, safely, and with dignity.”
GTAG recently hosted a webinar discussing the challenges trans travellers face and offering actionable steps for businesses to continue supporting LGBTQ+ visitors amid uncertainty.
Travel agency Out of Office also says it can provide personalised advice for travellers and adjust itineraries to prioritise destinations where clients will feel most comfortable.
