Germany and the U.K. each have updated their guidance for citizens who are visiting the U.S., and both updates indicate travelers must closely follow entry rules with the Trump administration tightening border control.
On Germany's Foreign Office website, a message reads, "Neither a valid ESTA authorization nor a valid U.S. visa constitutes a right to entry into the USA. The final decision regarding entry is made by the U.S. border official. It is recommended that you bring proof of your return journey (e.g., flight booking) upon entry. There is no legal recourse against this decision. German diplomatic missions abroad are unable to influence the reversal of a denial of entry."
Germany's alert was issued following reports of three German nationals who were detained at the U.S. border and deported. In one case, a tourist attempted to enter the U.S. from Tijuana in Mexico while traveling with her friend, a U.S. citizen, according to Euronews. The news outlet also reported that the detained woman's friends alleged she was put in solitary confinement for nine days. The claims were denied by the detention center.
The U.K.'s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated its guidance for Brits traveling to the U.S., saying, "Travelers should only enter the United States with a valid ESTA or visa that corresponds to the intended purpose of their stay. Criminal records in the United States, false information about the purpose of their stay, or even a slight overstay of their visa upon entry or exit can lead to arrest, detention, and deportation."
The U.K. FCDO also advised, "You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry. The authorities in the U.S. set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in the U.K."
According to USA Today, a British tourist was denied entry into Canada for allegedly violating the terms of her visa on Feb. 26 and taken to a detention facility in Tacoma, Wash. She was repatriated to the U.K. on March 18, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, USA Today reported.
According to Newsweek, Denmark and Finland have also revised their travel guidance for citizens going to America after a spate of detentions at customs.
Update: This article was updated March 21 to include information about Denmark and Finland.