France has updated its travel guidance for citizens heading to the United States, responding to new requirements imposed under the Trump administration. This change mandates that travelers declare their gender assigned at birth when completing visa or ESTA applications. This directive aligns with a decree signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, which aims to solidify federal recognition of only two genders: male and female.
The French foreign ministry's guidance, published late on March 24, cautions those planning to visit the United States to carefully consult the U.S. Embassy in Paris for the latest information and to remain vigilant about any changes or new measures adopted by U.S. authorities. France's caution echoes similar warnings issued by several other nations, including Denmark, Germany, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Canada, all of whom have revised their travel advisories in light of the new U.S. policies.
As noted in reports by Newsweek, the concern stems from the potential impact on transgender and nonbinary travelers, who may face significant barriers at U.S. ports of entry. The decree criminalizes the ability to identify outside of the binary genders on vital documentation, which has raised alarm among civil rights groups and compelled foreign governments to intervene. The French advisory includes a specific note that for new visa or ESTA applications, individuals must indicate their "gender assigned at birth" to comply with the updated guidelines.
Denmark has gone a step further, explicitly warning that transgender individuals could be barred from entering the U.S., while Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has echoed this sentiment by highlighting risks for those with travel documents that do not align with their gender assigned at birth. Germany's travel guidance clarifies that even travelers who have a valid visa or ESTA approval are not guaranteed entry to the United States. A spokesperson for the German foreign office emphasized, "The final decision as to whether a person can enter the United States rests with the American border authorities." This has heightened anxiety for many would-be visitors.
The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has similarly advised British citizens to fully comply with all entry and visa requirements, warning of the severe consequences, including detention or arrest for any misstep, whether intentional or otherwise. Meanwhile, Canadian travelers have been urged to register travel that exceeds 30 days and take heed of previous border detentions, including cases where documentation was deemed insufficient or contradictory.
A case in point involved a Canadian woman who reported being detained for almost two weeks, likening her experience to being "kidnapped," despite having valid documentation. Such incidents have contributed to a rising sense of concern regarding the implications of the U.S. entry policies for international travelers.
As these conditions have unfolded, there has been a noticeable rise in reports detailing aggressive questioning, detentions, and outright denials of entry at U.S. border checkpoints which particularly affect individuals whose gender identity does not match the documentation they present. Advocacy organizations warn that the changes instituted under the current administration could lead to systemic issues regarding discrimination and a lack of clarity at U.S. borders.
The trend marks a significant departure from previous U.S. policies and has sparked vigorous criticism from domestic LGBTQ+ advocates and international leaders. Furthermore, the impact of Trump's administration on foreign policy recently has been evident, with controversial remarks about Canada's territorial claims fostering resentment among travelers from that nation, leading some Canadians to cancel planned visits to the U.S. in protest.
Parallel to these developments, a February analysis by Tourism Economics indicated that should President Trump pursue expansive trade policies or broad tariffs, inbound travel to the U.S. could experience a decline of over 15 percent compared to current projections. This would have profound ramifications not only for the travel industry but for the U.S. economy overall.
While the United States remains a popular travel destination, France's advisory highlights a growing sentiment among international communities to proceed with caution. The recent changes demand travelers, especially from affected backgrounds, to stay informed and be prepared for heightened scrutiny. As nations continue to adjust their advisories, travelers must remain aware of their rights and guidelines to ensure a safe journey.
