Canada and EU Countries Warn Citizens Over U.S. Travel Rules

As U.S. immigration enforcement intensifies under the Trump administration, Canada and several European countries have issued updated travel rules and advisories for their citizens. The changes follow reports of tourists detained at U.S. borders, often for weeks, despite holding valid documents.

The countries updating their guidance include Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Finland. Many cite executive orders signed since January that have expanded U.S. border authority and tightened visa vetting processes.

Canada’s Advisory: New Registration Requirements for Long-Term Visitor

On March 21, the Canadian government revised its travel guidance for the U.S. It now warns that Canadians or foreign nationals staying longer than 30 days must register with U.S. immigration authorities.

Travelers should:

Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for details
Check registration status through the I-94 admission form on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website

Failure to register could lead to:

Penalties
Fines
Misdemeanor charges

Canadian officials also warned that they cannot intervene if a citizen is denied entry or deported. U.S. border officials may request additional documentation, such as:

Proof of residence or employment in Canada
Proof of financial resources for the visit

European Governments Tighten U.S. Travel Advice

United Kingdom

The U.K. Foreign Office advises citizens to strictly follow U.S. entry rules. Violations could lead to detention or arrest, even for minor infractions.

Germany

The German Foreign Office warns that having a valid visa or travel waiver does not guarantee entry. The advisory came after several German travelers were detained at border checkpoints.

Denmark

In response to U.S. policies affecting transgender travelers, Denmark recommends that those affected contact the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen before travel. Changes in U.S. policy now limit gender recognition to male or female only.

Finland

Echoing Denmark, Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises travelers to confirm gender marker requirements before applying for a visa or using ESTA. The advisory follows Trump’s executive order eliminating the “X” gender marker on U.S. passports.

Reports of Detention Raise International Concern

Several travelers have reported being held at U.S. detention centers, including:

Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian entrepreneur, detained for nearly two weeks at the U.S.-Mexico border
A French space scientist, deported on March 9 after border agents reviewed personal phone messages and accused him of expressing anti-U.S. views

These cases underscore the expanded discretion U.S. border agents now hold.

Broader Implications for Travel and International Relations

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, over 13 million Western Europeans visited the U.S. in 2024. Early 2025 figures show 1.5 million arrivals so far.

However, Tourism Economics reports that visitor spending could drop by 12.3% this year, amounting to an estimated $22 billion in losses. The decline is linked to:

Trade tensions
Perceived anti-immigration stance
Negative public sentiment abroad

Canada and European nations are advising increased caution for citizens traveling to the U.S. amid stricter enforcement of immigration laws and recent executive orders affecting gender identity documentation and entry procedures.

Travelers should review the latest government advisories, confirm visa and registration requirements, and prepare supporting documents before departure. As policies continue to shift, staying informed is critical for those planning U.S. travel in 2025.

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Canada’s Advisory: New Registration Requirements for Long-Term Visitor