Fabian Schmidt, a longtime U.S. resident originally from Germany, found himself detained at Boston Logan International Airport after returning from a family trip to Europe. Despite living in the United States for 18 years and possessing a valid, recently renewed green card, Schmidt was classified as a flight risk and held in custody for nearly two months. He described the ordeal to GBH News as “dehumanizing,” including being strip-searched and locked in isolation. “I love this country and the people in it so much—but I’ll tell you, the system is broken,” he said.
Schmidt’s case is not isolated. Other visa holders and legal residents—including a Brown University doctor with a valid work visa—have faced unexpected detentions or even deportations. Foreign visitors have also encountered difficulties, such as a French researcher reportedly denied entry after U.S. officials reviewed messages on his phone critical of the Trump administration.
These incidents, coinciding with recent immigration-focused executive orders, have prompted countries like Canada and several in Europe to issue or update travel advisories for the United States. While many of the warnings are vague, they align with policy shifts emphasizing strict immigration enforcement and gender-based documentation rules.
Airline Cuts and International Safety Concerns Add to the Pressure
Airlines are responding. Canadian carriers like Air Canada and WestJet are reducing flights to the U.S. and switching to smaller aircraft. Meanwhile, U.S. airlines have held back on releasing full-year projections, signaling caution amid travel hesitancy.
International advisories for U.S. travel aren’t new. Japan and Uruguay previously issued alerts following the 2019 Dayton, Ohio, shooting. Japan’s government continues to warn about gun crime and hate-based violence, advising citizens to be vigilant about risks related to race, religion, and sexual orientation.
Tour operators have also noticed the trend. Intrepid Travel, based in Australia, saw a 40% drop in U.S.-bound bookings. CEO James Thornton noted the need for the U.S. to create a more welcoming environment, despite its continued appeal as a tourist destination.
Countries That Have Issued or Updated Travel Warnings
- France: Revised travel advice on March 24 recommends travelers check embassy updates and airline policies.
- Canada: As of April 11, Canadians staying over 30 days must register with USCIS via I-94 or Form G-325R. Failure to do so can result in penalties or prosecution.
- Denmark: Issued a March 20 advisory for transgender travelers, highlighting concerns over U.S. recognition of only two genders.
- Germany: Updated March 19, Germany warns that visa waivers do not guarantee entry. Advises transgender travelers or those with “X” gender markers to consult U.S. diplomatic missions.
- Finland: Issued a March 14 advisory warning that mismatched gender markers may lead to denial of entry.
- United Kingdom: Updated March guidance emphasizes that U.S. authorities now enforce entry rules “strictly,” urging travelers to check requirements carefully.
- Netherlands: Travel page updated April 4, notes differing U.S. laws toward LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Belgium: Warns travelers about immigration challenges and notes that gender marker requirements on ESTA/visa applications must align with sex assigned at birth.
- Portugal: A recent update clarifies that possession of a visa or ESTA does not ensure entry, and it advises non-binary travelers to comply with gender requirements upon arrival.
- Ireland: On March 28, Ireland advised transgender citizens to consult with the U.S. Embassy if their passport sex differs from birth sex. The update also highlights U.S. state laws—particularly in Arizona, Utah, Indiana, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama—that permit police to inquire about immigration status, recommending travelers carry documentation at all times.
The Fallout for U.S. Tourism
With travel advisories rising and foreign visitation dropping, the once-booming U.S. tourism industry is taking a hit. Experts stress that the decline is not due to lack of interest but stems from growing fears, unclear policies, and political developments. As countries around the world warn their citizens to exercise caution, the pressure is mounting for U.S. leaders to address the concerns now shaping global travel choices.
A Crossroads for American Tourism
The U.S. now stands at a critical juncture. Once known for its openness and diversity, it is increasingly being viewed as unpredictable and less welcoming. As international advisories grow, travelers are pausing to reconsider their visits. Whether this trend continues depends largely on future policy decisions and how the U.S. chooses to navigate its image on the world stage.