Germany and Britain have issued strong warnings regarding travel to the United States after a series of distressing incidents involving German nationals being detained at U.S. border points. These updates follow the detainment of three Germans, prompting both countries to clarify that possessing a visa or entry waiver does not guarantee entry into the U.S.
The advisories, which were revised in March 2025, reflect growing concerns about how stringent U.S. border controls have become under the current administration. Germany's Federal Foreign Office updated its travel advice to explicitly state, "Travelers should only enter the United States with a valid ESTA or visa that matches the intended purpose of their stay." A spokesperson for the office emphasized that neither an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) nor a U.S. visa guarantees entry; the final decision rests with U.S. border officials.
This cautionary advice followed alarming reports detailed in The New York Times, which highlighted the cases of Jessica Brösche and Lucas Sielaff, two German tourists who faced lengthy detentions after crossing the border from Mexico. Brösche, a tattoo artist, found herself in detention for a staggering 46 days, a period which she described as traumatic. Sielaff, on the other hand, was held for two weeks, with his misunderstanding of a border question exacerbated by his limited English proficiency.
The backdrop for these advisories also includes the troubling case of Fabian Schmidt, a German green card holder who was detained upon re-entering the U.S. from a trip to Germany. According to his mother, he faced violent interrogations and was held in a cold shower without medical aid, raising serious human rights concerns. Schmidt's case, unlike those of Brösche and Sielaff, has garnered ongoing attention as he remains in limbo, with support from German authorities.
British travelers are similarly affected. As of March 20, the U.K. Foreign Office updated its guidance to now caution that travelers must comply with all entry and visa rules, or risk arrest or detention. This shift highlights a growing trend in strict enforcement of immigration policies under President Trump's administration. The U.K. reiterates the importance of understanding that entry rules are strictly enforced and emphasizes that travelers could face serious consequences for any violations.
Both Germany and the U.K. are significant sources of tourism to the U.S., with over 3.8 million U.K. citizens and 1.9 million Germans visiting in 2023 according to the National Travel and Tourism Office. With the growing awareness of the risks associated with U.S. travel, many in the tourism sector wonder if these recent advisories will deter travelers from visiting the United States.
Germany's Foreign Office is actively monitoring the situation and investigating whether these incidents signify a shift in U.S. immigration policy. Spokesperson Sebastian Fischer noted, "We are taking recent incidents seriously and will adjust travel advice if necessary." Although this advisory does not constitute an official travel warning, it signals a cautious approach to travel across the Atlantic.
Concerns extend beyond just these incidents. Reports indicate that the tightened U.S. immigration protocols have affected various travelers beyond Germans, with recent instances of a French scientist being denied entry for content found on his phone criticizing the U.S. government, and other citizens facing similar challenges. Even tourists from Wales have shared stories of trauma following lengthy detenions upon entering the U.S.
The travel industry is bracing for potential declines in bookings from Europe as travelers reconsider their upcoming trips to the U.S. Some tourism experts suggest that the combination of stricter immigration enforcement and recent detentions may shift public perception and cause individuals to plan vacations elsewhere.
In light of these updates, German citizens are urged to re-evaluate their plans and be fully aware of entry regulations before traveling. The advisory suggests having documentation of return travel handy upon entry, as additional scrutiny at U.S. borders may become commonplace in the current climate.
This evolving landscape of international travel not only concerns tourists but also raises pertinent questions regarding the U.S. administration’s approach to immigration and the rights of individuals crossing borders. Active discussions and changes within the realm of tourism policy will play a crucial role as both nations respond to these summoning incidents.
As these stories develop, both Germany and the U.K. emphasize the need for travelers to stay informed about the risks associated with U.S. travel while remaining vigilant about their rights and the realities of border enforcement in these unprecedented times.
