Following recent changes to U.S. immigration and identification policies under the Trump administration, Finland and Denmark have updated their travel advisories for transgender citizens visiting the United States.
Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs now warns that U.S. authorities may deny entry to travelers whose passport gender marker does not match their birth-assigned gender. They advise travelers to confirm entry requirements with U.S. authorities in advance, noting Finland does not issue passports with an “X” gender designation. Dual citizens with such documents are urged to verify eligibility before travel.
Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has similarly updated its U.S. visa guidance, stating that only ‘male’ or ‘female’ gender categories are accepted on visa applications. Travelers with “X” gender markers or differing legal and birth-assigned genders are advised to contact the U.S. embassy. This update followed concerns raised by LGBT+ Denmark, who fear potential airport detentions and mistreatment.
These changes stem from President Trump’s executive order on January 20th, which defines ‘sex’ as exclusively male or female, and subsequent policies including a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military. Though a federal judge temporarily blocked the military ban, other countries have issued updated travel advisories.
Germany’s Foreign Office revised its advisory after several German nationals, including a permanent resident, were detained upon U.S. entry. The UK also updated its guidance following a British national’s detention, warning of potential arrest or detention for non-compliance with U.S. immigration rules.
Additionally, Finland’s advisory now cautions citizens to avoid large U.S. public gatherings due to the risk of politically motivated violence, citing ongoing demonstrations related to immigration, Middle East policy, and education.
This update reflects “evolving U.S. immigration policy” under President Trump’s new term, as reported by Finnish broadcaster Yle. Recent protests in U.S. cities, including arrests in New York, underscore these concerns.
