Belgium Set to Join Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark, UK, and Finland in Updating New Travel Alert for US as Border Rules Tighten: What You Need to Know

Friday, March 28, 2025

Belgium is set to follow the lead of several European nations, including the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark, the UK, and Finland, in updating its travel advisory for the United States due to tightening border regulations. These changes, which now require travelers to declare their gender assigned at birth when applying for a U.S. visa or ESTA, have raised concerns about the potential for increased scrutiny at U.S. entry points. Belgium’s updated travel alert will provide important information for travelers, particularly those whose gender identity may not match the information on their official documents, and will include crucial details on how to navigate these new entry requirements. This move comes as governments around the world issue stronger warnings to protect their citizens from potential challenges posed by the new U.S. border rules.

As the United States implements tighter border controls, Belgium has announced that it will join several European nations in issuing a stronger travel advisory for citizens planning to visit the U.S. This follows similar moves by the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark, the UK, and Finland, all of which have updated their travel warnings in response to the growing challenges faced by travelers, particularly regarding new entry rules.

Stricter Border Measures Prompt Travel Warnings

The U.S. has recently introduced more stringent measures for foreign travelers, including the requirement for all individuals applying for a U.S. visa or using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to declare their gender assigned at birth. This shift, introduced by the U.S. government, has raised concerns among foreign governments, particularly for those whose gender identity does not align with the information on their official documents.

In response, Belgium’s Foreign Ministry has updated its travel advice to caution citizens about potential complications when entering the U.S. These updates come as part of a coordinated effort by several countries to ensure that travelers are fully aware of the new challenges they might face at U.S. borders.

The Netherlands Leads the Charge

The Netherlands was among the first countries to revise its travel advisory, stating that U.S. laws and customs regarding LGBTQ+ individuals may differ significantly from those in the Netherlands. Previously, the Dutch government had considered U.S. laws to be “comparable” to its own progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights. However, recent developments, such as the U.S. border measures requiring travelers to state their gender as assigned at birth, have led the Netherlands to issue a more cautionary advisory.

In its updated travel alert, the Netherlands highlights the risk of arrest, imprisonment, and deportation for travelers who do not follow the stated travel purpose, especially when applying for U.S. visas or ESTA approvals. The government also advised all travelers to ensure their entry documents are correct, as discrepancies—such as gender mismatches between official documents and identity—could result in denial of entry.

Belgium Joins European Allies in Cautioning Travelers

Belgium’s travel advisory will now align with those issued by the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark, the UK, and Finland, all of which have warned their citizens about the heightened scrutiny they may face when traveling to the U.S. The Belgian government emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all travel documents match the traveler’s gender as assigned at birth to avoid complications upon arrival.

Travelers from Belgium and other affected countries are advised to check their documentation carefully before departure, consult with U.S. embassies, and be prepared for potential delays or detentions at U.S. borders. The Belgian advisory also reinforces that U.S. border authorities have the final say on entry, regardless of prior authorization.

Key Points for Travelers

If you are planning to travel to the United States from Belgium, or any of the countries issuing updated warnings, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

Review Travel Documents: Ensure that all your travel documents, including your passport and ESTA, are correct and reflect the gender assigned at birth.Consult U.S. Embassies: Before traveling, it’s recommended to reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy for the latest information regarding entry requirements and any policy changes.Understand the Risks: Be aware that U.S. authorities have the discretion to deny entry based on discrepancies in your documents or failure to comply with stated travel purposes.Follow Entry Guidelines: Stick strictly to the travel purpose stated on your visa or ESTA application. Failure to comply may lead to arrest or deportation.A Growing Global Response

The tightening of U.S. border rules has had a significant international impact, prompting more governments to issue travel warnings for their citizens. These stricter measures, which include the requirement for travelers to declare their gender assigned at birth, are part of a broader trend of increasing scrutiny at U.S. borders.

Belgium’s decision to update its travel advisory signals a growing international concern about the implications of these policies for travelers, particularly those who identify outside of traditional gender norms. With Belgium now joining the ranks of countries such as the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark, the UK, and Finland, it’s clear that global travelers need to exercise caution when planning trips to the U.S.

Belgium is set to join the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark, the UK, and Finland in updating its travel advisory for the U.S. due to stricter border rules, including the requirement for travelers to declare their gender assigned at birth. This update aims to guide travelers on how to navigate the tightened U.S. entry requirements.

As Belgium joins the Netherlands, Canada, France, Germany, Denmark, the UK, and Finland in issuing stronger travel warnings for the United States, travelers should take extra care to ensure their travel documents are accurate and up-to-date. With heightened border measures in place, it’s more important than ever for travelers to stay informed and prepare for the possibility of increased scrutiny when entering the U.S.

For anyone planning to visit the U.S., the message from Belgium and other European countries is clear: review your documents, consult your embassy, and proceed with caution. Stay updated on any changes in U.S. entry requirements to avoid complications upon arrival.