Key Takeaways
• US only accepts “male” or “female” on ESTA and visa forms after Executive Order 14168 issued January 20, 2025.
• Travelers with non-binary “X” or mismatched documents risk denial of entry or detention at any United States border.
• Several European countries updated travel advisories, urging affected citizens to contact the U.S. embassy before planning trips.
Several countries have recently updated their travel advisories in response to a new rule in the United States 🇺🇸. This new rule, put in place by an executive order from President Trump on January 20, 2025, means the United States 🇺🇸 government now only recognizes two gender options—“male” or “female”—when you fill out electronic travel forms. This affects both the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and U.S. visa application forms. If a traveler’s passport shows a non-binary “X” gender or if their gender marker does not match what the United States 🇺🇸 requires, there could be problems entering the country.
Let’s look at what the countries are saying, who is affected, and what travelers should do to stay safe and avoid trouble at the border.
Main Points from the Recent Travel Advisories
- The new United States 🇺🇸 rule means everyone must pick “male” or “female” on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and U.S. visa forms.
- If your passport shows a gender outside “male” or “female”—for example “X”—or your documents do not match your sex assigned at birth, you might be denied entry.
- Governments of several European countries have responded with updated travel advisories.
Which Countries Have Issued These Travel Advisories?
Denmark 🇩🇰
The Danish foreign ministry quickly published advice for Danish citizens whose passports have a non-binary “X” gender marker or who have gone through a gender change. The statement says these travelers should contact the U.S. embassy before making any travel plans. Danish officials want people to double-check their documents and make sure they know the risks.
Finland 🇫🇮
Finland’s government stated directly: If the gender in your passport does not match your sex assigned at birth, United States 🇺🇸 officials might deny you entry. They encourage Finnish citizens to review their documents and reach out to U.S. authorities for further information.
Germany 🇩🇪
Germany’s Federal Foreign Office also took action. They warn Germans whose documents include an “X” gender marker or whose gender records differ from their sex assigned at birth that they should consult with U.S. authorities before they travel. Germans are told to check the details and ask embassy staff if they are unsure.
France 🇫🇷
France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its official guidance as well. The French government said all travelers must declare the gender assigned to them at birth on forms for the United States 🇺🇸. France warns that this may especially cause problems for transgender and non-binary travelers, and urges those with questions to get in touch with consular officers for help before traveling.
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
The United Kingdom 🇬🇧 also revised its travel recommendations along with Germany and several other European countries. British officials emphasize the need to comply with the new rules and tell citizens to take extra care if they fall into the affected groups. The UK government encourages travelers to keep up to date with the latest guidance and check their documents closely.
Why Did These Policy Changes Happen?
A big reason for these travel advisories is due to a new executive order—Executive Order 14168—issued by President Trump’s administration. This executive order put clear limits on how gender identity is recognized under United States 🇺🇸 immigration rules. The order says that people must only be recognized as “male” or “female,” based on their sex assigned at birth, for purposes of immigration forms like the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and visa applications.
If a person’s legal documents don’t match those expectations, United States 🇺🇸 immigration officers might stop them at the border, or even deny their entry. The order led to this wave of updated travel advisories around the world.
Who Will This Affect?
The new United States 🇺🇸 rules mainly affect these groups:
- Transgender travelers: People who have changed their gender marker from what it was at birth.
- Non-binary travelers: People whose passports show an “X” in the gender field instead of “M” (male) or “F” (female).
- Anyone with documents that don’t match: This could be the result of recent gender changes, or countries that issue passports with non-binary or third-gender markers.
These travelers face extra risk of problems. They might be asked to explain at the border why their documents don’t fit the new United States 🇺🇸 rule. In some cases, people may be denied entry or detained until officials sort it out. VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that several embassies have started to see more people asking for advice and help about travel to the United States 🇺🇸 since the order went into effect.
Details from Each Country’s Warning
Let’s look at each country’s warning in more detail:
Denmark 🇩🇰: “Travelers with a non-binary ‘X’ gender marker or with documentation reflecting a change in gender should contact the U.S. embassy for individual guidance before traveling.”
Finland 🇫🇮: “Travelers whose passport gender does not match the sex assigned at birth may encounter denial of entry by U.S. authorities.”
Germany 🇩🇪: “Citizens holding an ‘X’ gender marker or mismatched documentation are advised to consult with U.S. authorities before planning travel.”
France 🇫🇷: “Travelers must declare the sex assigned at birth when completing ESTA or visa applications. Transgender and non-binary individuals may encounter complications and should seek guidance.”
United Kingdom 🇬🇧: “British travelers whose documents don’t fit the new United States 🇺🇸 rules are advised to follow the new procedure and be aware of the potential risks.”
These advisories all stress the same point: If your documents and history do not match the United States 🇺🇸 requirements, don’t take chances. Double-check your situation with the local U.S. embassy or consulate before booking travel.
Areas Most at Risk and Entry Requirements
The policy covers all travelers coming into the United States 🇺🇸, so the risk applies at all airports and border crossings. The rules are not limited to any one state or region inside the country. They are set by the federal government and apply everywhere.
To enter the United States 🇺🇸, you must:
- Fill out the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online form if coming under the Visa Waiver Program, or
- Submit a U.S. visa application if you are from a country that does not use ESTA.
Both forms now require you to pick “male” or “female” exactly as shown on your passport at birth—even if your current legal documents say otherwise or you use an “X” or third-gender.
If you want to learn more about how ESTA works and what is required for entry, you should check the Frequently Asked Questions on the official customs website for the United States 🇺🇸 here.
Practical Advice for Travelers
For Affected Travelers in the United States 🇺🇸 Now:
- Carry all supporting legal and medical documents with you at all times.
- If stopped by officials, calmly explain your situation and show any letters, certificates, or other proof.
- Contact your country’s embassy or consulate right away if you are questioned or detained.
- If you are traveling internally, keep your passport and visa/ESTA information handy in case you need to show your identity.
For Those Planning Travel to the United States 🇺🇸:
- Double-check that all the information on your passport matches what will be entered on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization or visa application.
- If your documents have an “X” or you have changed gender, contact the U.S. embassy in your country before booking flights.
- Consider delaying travel if you are unsure whether you will be let in.
- Speak with your airline before flight day. Airlines sometimes refuse boarding to travelers whose documents may not allow entry.
- Review your travel insurance policy to see if entry denial would be covered. Many policies do not reimburse costs if you are turned away for mismatched documents.
Emergency Contacts and Staying Informed
If you get into trouble, the first step is to get in touch with your embassy or consulate. Each country has hotlines and email addresses for emergencies involving citizens abroad.
Key Contacts:
– Danish travelers should reach the Danish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
– Finnish travelers can contact the Embassy of Finland in the United States 🇺🇸.
– German travelers should use the German Embassy’s emergency numbers.
– French travelers should contact the French Consulate nearest their location.
– UK citizens can call the British Embassy based in Washington, D.C.
Always keep a list of emergency phone numbers in your phone and written down on a piece of paper. Embassies can offer advice, communication with United States 🇺🇸 authorities, and in some cases, legal help or translation.
Impact on Travel Insurance
This change could affect your travel insurance. Many insurance plans do not pay out costs if you are denied entry due to a mismatch in your documents. Some policies might cover lost costs (like hotel or flight) in special situations, but most do not. Check the small print in your policy or ask your insurance company directly before you buy.
If your trip is very important, ask if you can buy special coverage for this situation—but remember, there is no guarantee it will be offered.
Suggestions for Travelers
If you find yourself in one of these groups and you have urgent business or family in the United States 🇺🇸, it is very important to talk with officials first. In some cases, you may want to delay your trip or consider meeting in another country where entry rules are simpler.
For non-essential travel (like a vacation), you may want to wait until further updates. New rules and guidelines may change soon, as countries continue to discuss the policy’s fairness.
Staying Up To Date
Travel rules can and do change quickly. To be sure you have the latest information:
- Check your government’s travel advisory website right before you travel.
- Visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel website for the most current entry requirements and forms.
- Follow updates shared by your embassy or consulate via social media or email alerts.
Summary and Next Steps
Official travel advisories now warn that the United States 🇺🇸 only recognizes “male” or “female” gender markers on all ESTA and visa forms due to President Trump’s executive order. Travelers from Denmark 🇩🇰, Finland 🇫🇮, Germany 🇩🇪, France 🇫🇷, and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 must pay close attention to these changes and take extra steps if their documents list a gender as “X” or different from their sex at birth.
Before planning your trip, check your documents, speak to your embassy, and review the latest requirements online. If you feel unsure, get advice from an official source and consider delaying your travel to avoid trouble.
By following this advice, you can reduce stress and avoid problems as the new rules are enforced at all United States 🇺🇸 entry points. Watch for further updates, as this is a developing policy issue that may change with future executive orders or new government policies. For official questions on ESTA or United States 🇺🇸 entry, use the linked customs webpage for the most reliable information.
Learn Today
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) → An online system for pre-screening travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries before entering the United States.
Executive Order 14168 → A legal directive from President Trump in 2025 requiring only male or female gender markers on U.S. immigration documents.
Non-binary ‘X’ gender marker → An option on some passports representing a gender identity outside male or female, now not recognized by U.S. immigration.
Visa Waiver Program → U.S. program allowing citizens from specific countries to visit for short stays without a visa, using ESTA instead.
Secondary inspection → An extra process at U.S. borders where travelers with mismatched or unclear documents are further questioned or detained temporarily.
This Article in a Nutshell
A new U.S. rule mandates travelers select “male” or “female” on ESTA and visa forms, impacting transgender and non-binary visitors. European advisories urge affected citizens to seek U.S. embassy guidance. If documents misalign, entry may be denied. Travelers should check advisories, update documents, and consider delaying trips if uncertain.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• China warns travelers of potential risks visiting the U.S.
• Donald Trump policies lead LGBTQ+ travelers to reconsider U.S. visits
• Canadian Travelers Told to Expect More Questions at U.S. Border
• ETIAS Changes Prompt Travel Advisory Updates for Visits to the US
• Canadians Born in Iran, Afghanistan Denied U.S. Entry Under Trump Policy
