European Countries Update Travel Advisories for Transgender Travelers to the U.S.
European countries, including Finland, Denmark, the U.K., and Germany, have recently revised their travel advisories for transgender individuals planning to visit the United States. These updates come in response to President Donald Trump’s “two-sexes” executive order and his administration’s strict immigration policies.
Denmark’s Travel Advisory Warns Transgender Travelers
For instance, Denmark’s travel advisory website states, “When applying for an ESTA or visa to the United States, there are two gender designations to choose from: male or female.” It advises transgender individuals with an “X” gender designation in their passport or those who have undergone a gender transition to contact the U.S. Embassy prior to travel for guidance.
The Impact of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a pre-screening system for passengers traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. The Danish advisory suggests that transgender travelers with gender discrepancies in their passports may face difficulties during the application process.
Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updates Travel Advisory
In Finland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also updated its website to address the concerns of transgender travelers. It states that if the gender listed on the applicant’s passport does not match their gender assigned at birth, the U.S. authorities may reject their travel permit or visa application.
Germany’s Warning for Transgender Travelers
Although Germany’s advisory does not explicitly mention the U.S. or President Trump, it cautions transgender travelers to be careful when visiting certain countries. The information provided for LGBTQ travelers highlights potential difficulties they may encounter if their passport does not align with their gender identity.
Controversy Surrounding Trump Administration’s Policies
The revised travel advisories do not directly reference the Trump administration, but they coincide with the U.S. State Department’s alignment with President Trump’s goal of exclusively recognizing “male” or “female” on American passports.
Legal Challenges and Pushback
As a result of these policies, seven transgender Americans have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed these suits on their behalf in February. Trump’s executive order, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” reinforces the administration’s belief that there are only two sexes, strictly defined by biological characteristics present at conception. This order also mandates federal agencies to enforce this binary understanding of sex across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and military service.
In addition to the transgender policy controversy, President Trump has faced judicial pushback for his nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration. This mass deportation program targets unauthorized individuals living in the country.
Seeking Comments from the State Department and White House
Fox News Digital has reached out to both the State Department and the White House for their comments on the revised travel advisories and the concerns raised by European countries regarding transgender travelers.
