UK and Germany issue travel advisories for those visiting US
Several countries have issued travel advisories for their citizens travelling to the United States amid US President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and the detention of multiple tourists at various border points, including American airports.
The United Kingdom and Germany have now updated advisories for those visiting the United States.
The United Kingdom, in its latest advice for travel to the United States, cautioned British nationals about the strict enforcement of US immigration laws and the severe consequences of violating them. The advisory stated that visitors must “comply with all entry, visa, and other conditions” while entering the US.
It further warned, “The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules.”
According to Reuters, an archived version of the UK’s official travel guidance only noted that US officials “set and enforce entry rules”, without explicitly mentioning detention risks.
This comes after a British national was detained at a US border over a possible violation of her visa conditions. The UK government assisted her, and she has since returned to Britain.
Germany has also revised its travel advisory after three German nationals were detained by US border officials while attempting to enter the country. The advisory highlights that entry through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system or a US visa is not always guaranteed as the border officials have a final say. “It is recommended that you bring proof of your return journey upon entry,” Germany’s foreign office said.
ESTA authorisation allows tourists to visit the US for short stays.
“A criminal conviction in the US, false information about an individual’s purpose of stay, or even a slight overstay of the visa can lead to arrest, detention and deportation upon entry or exit,” it further said.
The warning follows the detention of a German national Fabian Schmidt, who has been held at a Rhode Island detention centre since being stopped at Boston Logan International Airport on March 7, despite holding a valid Green Card and residing in the US since 2008.
Tattoo artist Jessica Brösche has spent over a month awaiting deportation at the Otay Mesa Detention Facility in San Diego after border officials suspected she planned to work illegally upon entering from Mexico.
Canada has also updated its travel advice and urged citizens to carefully review US immigration regulations before travelling.
“Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements,” the travel advisory read.
It added, “The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.”
Immigration authorities in the United States have warned Indian nationals, including H-1B workers, international students (F-1 holders) and Green Card holders, against travelling outside the country unless absolutely necessary. This comes after US officials forced several elderly Indian Green Card holders to either ‘voluntarily’ give up their residency or face detention at American airports.
The crackdown primarily targets those Green Card holders who spend winter months in India as they are suspected of not meeting US residency requirements.