Germany, UK update US travel guidance after detentions at border
Germany has revised its travel guidance for citizens visiting the United States, stressing that possessing a US visa or an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) does not guarantee entry into the country.
The update comes after three German nationals were detained while attempting to enter the US, prompting concerns over a possible shift in American immigration enforcement.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Office confirmed on Wednesday that the ministry had modified its travel advisory a day earlier, following serious consideration of recent detentions.
The advisory now explicitly warns travelers that “the final decision on whether a person can enter the US lies with the US border authorities,” adding that the same standard applies in Germany regarding entry decisions.
“This is not a travel warning,” the spokesperson clarified, emphasising that the move was intended to inform and protect German travelers amid changing enforcement trends.
Three german ntionals detained in the US
Details of the incidents that sparked the advisory update are beginning to emerge. In one case, a German man holding a US green card was detained at Boston airport last week after returning from Luxembourg. According to his family, he has remained in detention since his arrival.
In another instance, a 25-year-old German citizen was apprehended while attempting to cross the US-Mexico border in February with his American fiancée. As reported by Spiegel magazine, the man was held in detention for two weeks before being deported to Germany.
A third case involved a 29-year-old German woman who was stopped at the US-Mexico border in January. She was sent back to Germany just last week, also according to Spiegel.
The German Foreign Ministry has stated that it is currently assessing whether these incidents are isolated or indicative of a broader policy shift by US authorities.
UK also issues stricter travel guidance
Germany is not alone in its concerns. The United Kingdom has similarly updated its travel advice for citizens traveling to the United States. A new advisory published by the British Foreign Office underscores the importance of strict compliance with US entry, visa, and other conditions.
“You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules,” the advisory states, adding that US authorities enforce entry rules rigorously.
This statement marks a notable shift from previous guidance. An archived version of the UK’s travel page from February only noted that US authorities “set and enforce entry rules,” without mention of arrest or detention.
British media reported earlier this month that a UK national was detained at the US border for over ten days over a possible visa violation. The Foreign Office confirmed it was providing assistance and said the woman has since returned to the UK.
Trump Administration's immigration crackdown
The detentions come amid a wider tightening of US immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Since taking office in January, Trump has signed multiple executive orders aimed at strengthening border security, intensifying visa vetting procedures, and tightening overall immigration enforcement.
These changes have led to increased scrutiny at US ports of entry and growing uncertainty for foreign travelers — even those from long-standing allied nations like Germany and the United Kingdom.
German citizens, along with travelers from most EU countries, traditionally enjoy visa-free entry to the US for stays up to 90 days under the ESTA system. However, the recent detentions have raised questions about the reliability of that system under the current US administration.
The German Foreign Office has indicated it will continue to monitor developments and determine whether these recent cases represent a systemic change in US immigration policy or isolated incidents.