European Nations Heighten Travel Warnings for the US Amid Detentions
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Synopsis
European countries, responding to recent detentions of their nationals in the US, have updated travel advisories warning about strict immigration laws and potential entry issues. The advisories highlight the importance of understanding ESTA and visa requirements amid changing US policies.
Key Takeaways
- European nations are revising travel advisories for the US.
- Detentions of European nationals have raised concerns.
- ESTA approval or US visa does not guarantee entry.
- Britain and Finland have issued specific warnings.
- Canada has updated its travel guidelines for longer stays.
Berlin, March 23 (NationPress) A number of European countries have revised their travel warnings regarding the US this week due to the detention of several European nationals, including German citizens, upon their arrival.
The German Foreign Office stated on Saturday that it is taking the recent events involving German travellers very seriously, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"We have clarified and now clearly emphasise that an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) approval or a US visa does not, in every instance, guarantee entry into the US," a spokesperson informed the public broadcaster ARD's Tagesschau.
This advisory update comes in light of reports indicating that three German nationals were detained at US entry points, one of whom was a green card holder. Two of these individuals have since returned to Germany.
In reaction to these events, Britain also modified its travel advice, cautioning about the strict enforcement of US immigration laws.
"You could face arrest or detention if you violate the regulations," stated the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday.
Earlier this month, Britain's foreign office confirmed it was assisting a British national reportedly detained at the US border, according to Reuters.
Finland issued a similar advisory on Friday, warning that even valid travel documents may not assure entry under current US regulations.
The Finnish Foreign Ministry also highlighted recent changes requiring visa or ESTA applicants to declare both their gender and gender at birth, which could lead to denied entry if discrepancies are detected.
Both Denmark and Finland have updated their travel guidance concerning gender markers on travel documents.
Furthermore, Finnish authorities advised travellers to steer clear of large gatherings in major US cities, citing the potential for politically motivated protests to escalate into violence.
As per Finnish broadcaster Yle, the heightened advisories reflect changing US immigration policies under President Donald Trump's new term.
On Friday, Canada also revised its travel guidelines for entry into the US.
Canadians and foreign nationals planning to stay in the US for more than 30 days "must register with the United States government," warns the government's website — failure to comply could result in "penalties, fines, and misdemeanor prosecution."
