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Finland has issued an updated travel warning advising citizens to reconsider travel to the United States due to increased border enforcement, political instability, and risks to vulnerable groups.
The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs stated that travellers whose passport gender entries do not align with their sex assigned at birth may face entry denials at US borders. The advisory also highlights inconsistent immigration enforcement and risks of detention.
Similar warnings have been issued by Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Denmark.
The Finnish update follows changes in US federal policy on gender documentation. Under new rules introduced by the current US administration, federal identification documents must list gender as either male or female. The US State Department has stopped issuing passports with the “X” gender marker. Policies that allowed gender changes on federal documents without medical proof have been rescinded.
These changes affect non-binary and transgender travellers. Finland’s advisory urges those with potentially mismatched documents to consult the US consulate before travel.
Germany has also warned its citizens that a valid visa or ESTA approval does not guarantee entry to the US. The German government issued the statement in March after reports of German nationals being detained at US entry points despite carrying valid documents.
The United Kingdom updated its travel advice following the detention of a British woman over a visa discrepancy. She was held for more than ten days by US immigration officials. British authorities have asked the US government for greater clarity and consistency in border procedures.
Canada has added specific guidelines for citizens planning extended stays in the US. Travellers remaining in the US for more than 30 days must now register with local immigration authorities. The Canadian government said failure to comply could lead to legal penalties. It also noted increased checks and scrutiny at border crossings.
Denmark advised transgender travellers to speak with US embassies before departure. Officials expressed concern about the legal and personal risks posed by the US government’s redefinition of gender on official documents.
These warnings come amid broader tensions between the United States and its allies over immigration policy and trade. On 2 April, the US introduced new import tariffs under its “Liberation Day” framework. The plan includes a 10 per cent duty on general imports, with higher rates for some countries. China responded with retaliatory tariffs. Several European governments have criticised the tariffs as destabilising.
China issued a US travel warning on 9 April, telling citizens to assess risks carefully before visiting. Chinese officials cited border enforcement and racial profiling as key concerns.
The warnings from European governments and Canada cite not only visa policy but also political tensions and concerns about discriminatory practices in the United States. Officials said these developments undermine confidence in US institutions and raise questions about legal protections for foreign visitors.
The US Department of Homeland Security has not responded publicly to the foreign travel advisories.
According to the Finnish advisory, travellers should avoid unnecessary visits to the United States until further notice. It recommends that those with upcoming travel verify entry requirements directly with the nearest US diplomatic mission.
All five countries have stated that travel policies will remain under review. Updates will be issued if conditions change or new risks emerge.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
