The Danish government has updated its travel advisory for transgender individuals planning to visit the United States, joining a growing list of European countries cautioning their citizens about potential difficulties at U.S. borders. Denmark’s move follows similar updates by Germany and Finland, all responding to recent changes in U.S. policies that restrict recognition of nonbinary and transgender identities on official documents.
The updated Danish advisory, released Friday, warns that travelers with an “X” gender designation in their passports or those who have legally changed their gender should contact the U.S. Embassy before making their trip. The Danish foreign ministry’s website explains that the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and visa applications only offer binary gender options: male or female. Given the stricter policies under the current U.S. administration, travelers who do not fit into these categories could face challenges entering the country.
While Denmark’s advisory does not explicitly name the Trump administration, the timing is significant. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order directing federal agencies to define sex strictly as male or female on official documents, effectively erasing legal recognition of nonbinary and transgender identities. In response, the U.S. State Department has halted the issuance of travel documents with an “X” gender marker and has stopped allowing gender changes on passports, reverting to policies that require documents to match a person’s sex assigned at birth.
European Allies Respond to U.S. Gender Policies
Denmark is not alone in taking action. Germany and Finland have also issued warnings to their transgender citizens regarding U.S. entry policies. Earlier this month, the German foreign ministry advised individuals with a gender designation of “X” or whose current passport gender differs from their birth sex to contact U.S. authorities in advance to clarify entry requirements. Finland issued a similar statement, explicitly warning that travelers whose documented gender does not align with their sex assigned at birth may be denied entry to the U.S.
Germany’s advisory came after three German nationals were reportedly detained at the U.S. border despite holding valid visas. This prompted the German government to remind travelers that visa approval does not guarantee entry, as border officials have the final say. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has also updated its guidance, warning that noncompliance with U.S. entry rules could result in detention or arrest.
Although no Danish nationals have been denied entry or detained since Trump returned to office, Danish advocacy groups pushed for the travel advisory update. LGBT+ Danmark, the country’s leading LGBTQ+ rights organization, requested the change out of concern that transgender travelers could face mistreatment at U.S. airports or even be turned away.
“We are worried that people could be stopped at the airport and refused entry, or that something inappropriate and uncomfortable could happen at the airport,” said Susanne Branner Jespersen, a spokesperson for LGBT+ Danmark, in an interview with local media.
Trump’s Policies Spark Global Concern
The concerns raised by European governments highlight the global impact of the Trump administration’s hardline stance on gender identity. Since returning to office, Trump has taken aggressive steps to roll back protections for transgender and nonbinary people. In addition to the passport restrictions, his administration has pushed policies banning transgender individuals from serving in the military, barring them from participating in gender-affirming sports categories, and restricting access to gender-transition care for minors.
While European nations have long considered the U.S. an ally, these recent policy shifts have made it clear that transgender individuals are no longer assured equal treatment when traveling there. The advisories reflect a broader trend in which progressive countries are acknowledging the risks that their transgender citizens may face when crossing U.S. borders.
What This Means for Transgender Travelers
For transgender individuals planning to visit the U.S., these advisories serve as a stark reminder to prepare thoroughly. While contacting the U.S. Embassy before travel may help clarify specific entry requirements, it does not guarantee a smooth experience at customs. Given the discretion that border agents hold, even travelers with valid visas and documentation could face additional scrutiny or denial of entry.
Advocacy groups recommend that transgender travelers:
- Ensure all travel documents match U.S. requirements as closely as possible.
- Carry supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s note or legal paperwork verifying gender changes.
- Be prepared for potential questioning and know their rights when interacting with U.S. border officials.
The Bottom Line
The fact that Denmark, Finland, Germany, and the U.K. have all updated their guidance for transgender travelers underscores an uncomfortable reality: The United States is no longer seen as a fully safe or welcoming destination for all travelers, particularly those who do not conform to rigid gender binaries. For decades, the U.S. has positioned itself as a leader in democracy and human rights. Yet, as its policies become more restrictive, European allies are adjusting their approach accordingly.
As travel restrictions for transgender individuals continue to increase under the Trump administration, the message from these advisories is clear: Transgender people should be cautious when traveling to the U.S. and take extra steps to protect themselves. The international response suggests that the world is watching—and that America’s standing as a beacon of freedom and inclusion is now under question.
For transgender travelers, their families, and allies, these warnings serve as both a practical advisory and a sobering statement about the state of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States today.
