Some countries are asking transgender travelers to speak with U.S. embassies before their trip. Getty Images
More countries are now warning their citizens about visiting the United States, especially those who are transgender, non-binary, or have third-gender passports. These alerts follow new rules and statements from U.S. leadership that could affect how travelers are treated at the border.
Travelers often check for visa rules or safety tips before booking a trip. In the U.S., people use official travel advisory levels to understand where it’s safe to go. But now, other countries are doing the same—warning their citizens about the United States itself.
In recent years, there have been strong changes in U.S. policies about gender identity. Leaders have spoken out against trans rights and moved to change passport rules. One order even said only male or female gender would be accepted and based on birth records.
Several countries have responded with clear warnings.
Denmark has told its citizens to contact the U.S. embassy before traveling. This applies to anyone who changed their gender or has an “X” gender marker on their passport.
Finland has advised travelers that mismatched gender information could cause trouble. Even with a valid visa or permit, border agents still decide if someone can enter. Officials said that just having a visa isn’t always enough.
Germany has also raised concerns. Travelers whose current gender doesn’t match their birth certificate have been told to speak to U.S. officials before flying. This follows recent events where travelers were stopped or turned away.
Ireland updated its travel page, too. The advisory now says travelers must list their sex as it appears at birth when applying for entry documents. Anyone whose passport doesn’t match must ask the embassy what to do.
The Netherlands reminded travelers that U.S. forms only offer “male” or “female” options. They said people should be careful, especially in some states where local laws may affect LGBTQ+ rights.
Portugal gave advice to citizens who are non-binary. They must still pick either “male” or “female” when applying to enter the U.S. Officials there also warned that having a visa doesn’t guarantee entry. They recommend carrying proof of return travel and being clear about the trip’s purpose.
These changes come as many in the U.S. push for stricter rules on gender identity. Travelers who do not match their documents exactly may face questions, delays, or worse. With each new policy, more countries are stepping up to protect their citizens.
This trend could grow as new rules continue to affect how the U.S. treats visitors.
