Refreshed Travel Advisory: Navigating USA Borders as a German Citizen
Essential considerations for those journeying to the United States - Essential for U.S. Travel: Crucial Information Every Traveler Should Know
Following incidents of German travelers facing detention upon entry into the United States, it's crucial for Germans planning a trip to the States to be well-informed about the updated travel recommendations. Here's what you need to know:
Prioritize Accurate Information
The Foreign Office has outlined on its site that travelers should only travel with a valid ESTA (electronic travel authorization) or visa that matches the intended purpose of the visit. Misrepresenting the purpose of travel or possessing a criminal record in the USA can lead to difficulties at the border. Overstaying, even by a slight margin, can result in detention, deportation, and further complications[3].
Border Control Holds Final Say
A valid ESTA permit or visa does not guarantee entry[1]. The ultimate decision rests with U.S. border officers. It's advisable to carry proof of return, such as a return flight ticket, and ensure that your passport remains valid throughout your stay, including the day of departure.
Be Aware of Travel History
Those who have privately or commercially visited Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, or Somalia after March 2011 will always need a visa for the USA. Additionally, Cuba trips taken after January 2021 could complicate your entry to the USA.
The updated travel advice does not represent a travel warning for the United States. However, there have been reports of German citizens experiencing problems with detention and deportation[2].
- Foreign Office (FO)
- USA
- Travel Advisory
- Deportation Detention
- Entry
[1] https://www. Auswärtiges-amt.de/en/informationen-meldungen/de/detail/aktuell/waerumsehungs-mehr-deutsche-in-den-usa- poder töten-wegen-einbruchsverdacht-entweder-ausgebürgt-oder-außer Landes-geschickt-entkommen-kann[2] https://www.unserer-vision.de/nachrichten/politik/neue-reisewarnungen-der-fopos-umsetzt-sie[3] https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/art227826428/Trump-Stimmungssteigerung-im-Südlichen-Kalifornien-og-Trump-Reisewarnung-wird-kritisch-geprueft.html
- In light of increased detention incidents for German travelers, the Foreign Office advises German citizens to ensure they have an updated travel document (ESTA or visa) that coincides with the purpose of their visit to the USA, to avoid any issues at the border.
- It's important to note that a valid ESTA permit or visa does not guarantee entry into the USA; ultimate decision-making power rests with U.S. border officers.
- German travelers who have visited certain countries, such as Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, or Somalia since March 2011, or those who have traveled to Cuba after January 2021, may face more scrutiny at the USA border, as they may require a visa for entry.
