A number of nations across Europe have been updating their advice to citizens
European countries have issued a new warning for people planning on travelling to the US.
In response to stricter immigration laws under the Trump administration, several European nations have updated their citizens on the latest entry requirements for the United States, highlighting the serious consequences of non-compliance. This week, the UK issued a warning urging its citizens to “comply with all entry, visa, and other conditions of entry,” stressing that “US authorities strictly enforce entry rules.” The British Foreign Office cautioned, “Failure to comply may result in arrest or detention.”
Earlier, Reuters reported that the guidance was more general, simply stating that the US enforces entry rules. Similarly, Germany has revised its advice after investigating cases where German citizens were denied entry and detained. The new guidance emphasizes that entry into the US via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or a US visa does not guarantee admission. “The final decision on entry lies with US border authorities,” said a spokesperson from Germany’s Foreign Ministry.
A criminal conviction in the United States, providing false information about the purpose of your stay, or even a minor overstay of your visa can result in arrest, detention, and deportation upon entering or leaving the country. Neither a valid ESTA authorization nor a US visa guarantees entry into the USA. The final decision on entry is determined by the US border official. It is strongly recommended that travelers bring proof of their return journey, such as a flight booking, when entering the US. Importantly, there is no legal recourse against a denial of entry, and German diplomatic missions abroad cannot intervene to reverse such decisions.
Since taking office as the 47th President of the United States, Trump and his administration have created a list of 43 countries that could face varying travel restrictions.
The countries are divided into three categories, with restrictions tailored to each. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, hinted that this list might be subject to change and emphasized that it has yet to receive official approval from the administration, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Full Travel Ban:
Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Countries in this category would face an outright suspension of all U.S. visas.
Sharply Restricted Visas:
Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.
For these nations, the U.S. would impose partial visa suspensions, primarily affecting tourist, student, and immigrant visas, with some potential exceptions.
60 Days to Address Concerns:
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.
Countries in this final group will have 60 days to address deficiencies, with the possibility of a partial suspension of U.S. visas if no progress is made during that period.
