Several European countries have updated their travel advisories, cautioning transgender individuals about potential challenges when traveling to the United States. This follows President Donald Trump’s executive order defining sex strictly as male or female on official documents.
Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises transgender travelers to consult the U.S. Embassy before their trip. The advisory highlights that U.S. visa applications offer only male or female gender options.
President Trump’s executive order reverses policies introduced under Biden, which had allowed non-binary and transgender individuals to select an “X” marker on passports. The administration argues that government identification should align with biological reality, ensuring consistency and accuracy in legal documentation.
Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that discrepancies between a traveler’s current gender and their gender assigned at birth, as listed on their passport, may result in denied entry to the U.S. The ministry recommends verifying entry requirements with U.S. authorities before traveling.
Germany’s Foreign Office advises travelers with an ‘X’ gender marker or those whose current gender differs from their birth gender to contact a U.S. diplomatic mission before traveling. This measure aims to clarify applicable entry requirements and prevent potential issues at U.S. borders.
The policy change has drawn backlash from European governments but aligns with broader conservative efforts to protect biological definitions of sex in areas such as education, healthcare, and public accommodations.
Transgender individuals planning to visit the United States are advised to:Advocate.com
- Consult U.S. Diplomatic Missions: Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling to obtain guidance tailored to individual circumstances.
- Verify Documentation: Ensure that all travel documents align with U.S. entry requirements to prevent potential entry denials.
- Stay Informed: Regularly review travel advisories from both home countries and U.S. authorities for the latest information.
Despite international criticism, the Trump administration maintains that these policies protect legal clarity and align with the country’s historical recognition of sex as biologically defined.
