Netherlands Unites with Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Portugal and More on US New Identity Policy Crackdown

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

The Netherlands has joined forces with Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Portugal, and other nations in issuing travel warnings over the US latest identity policy crackdown, which enforces stricter rules around official documentation and personal identification. These coordinated advisories reflect mounting global concern over recent U.S. regulatory shifts that reject non-binary or updated identity markers on visas, entry forms, and federal records—posing potential entry risks, legal complications, and safety concerns for affected travelers. The move signals a unified international response aimed at safeguarding citizens navigating an increasingly complex U.S. legal landscape.

At the heart of the advisory updates is a collective alarm over the U.S. administration’s rollback of recognition for non-binary and flexible gender identities in federal systems. The policy shift mandates binary-only gender identification on official U.S. travel documents and visa applications—creating significant complications for travelers whose passports or IDs list a third gender option or contain updated personal identification data.

The latest action from the Netherlands aligns it with a growing number of European allies who are encouraging heightened caution when traveling to the United States, especially for those whose official documentation may not align with U.S. standards.

Policy Changes Trigger Cross-Border Concern

The catalyst for these advisories stems from a series of recent U.S. policy shifts, including the removal of the “X” marker option on federal forms, stricter enforcement of gender-at-birth classifications, and increased scrutiny during visa and ESTA processing. These changes apply across U.S. entry systems, prompting concern over how border agents may handle documentation discrepancies involving foreign citizens.

For countries like the Netherlands, where civil identification documents recognize diverse identity markers and legal gender flexibility, the U.S. policies create a legal mismatch that can result in entry denial, additional questioning, or even harassment of travelers at customs.

The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that these U.S. policy revisions “can affect the experience of travelers whose identity documents differ from binary definitions.” The updated Dutch advisory encourages affected citizens to closely review documentation requirements, consult the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam, and remain informed about local laws in each U.S. state.

Country-by-Country Breakdown of Advisories

Canada was among the first to raise official concerns, updating its U.S. travel advisory to warn LGBTQ travelers—particularly those identifying as transgender or non-binary—about increased risks in several U.S. states. The advisory highlights the potential for surveillance, entry complications, and discrimination based on perceived inconsistencies in gender identity or documentation.

France followed with its own updates, urging LGBTQ travelers to ensure that all U.S. travel documentation precisely matches their French-issued IDs. French authorities recommended that individuals with non-binary or updated gender markers consult embassies or legal experts before departure to avoid complications at border control.

Germany issued one of the strongest advisories, directly addressing transgender and non-binary citizens. The German government warned that U.S. authorities may deny entry if identity documents do not conform to binary gender norms, even when travelers hold valid visas or ESTA authorizations.

Denmark and Finland echoed these concerns, advising LGBTQ travelers—especially those with “X” gender markers or recent identity changes—to seek legal guidance before travel. Both governments pointed to specific U.S. states that have enacted restrictive laws impacting the recognition of gender identity and access to essential services like healthcare and housing.

Ireland revised its advisory in March, recommending that LGBTQ travelers contact the U.S. embassy to understand current policies. It cautioned that inconsistent application of laws across U.S. states may affect the recognition of identity in settings such as airports, hotels, or medical facilities.

Norway emphasized the discretionary power of U.S. border agents, advising LGBTQ travelers to carry multiple forms of identification and prepare for potential questioning, particularly during extended visits or business travel.

Belgium updated its guidance to reflect the varying degrees of acceptance for LGBTQ identities across the U.S., warning that travelers may face unequal treatment depending on the state they visit.

Portugal also flagged the removal of third-gender options on U.S. visa and entry forms, cautioning that non-binary travelers may experience processing delays or additional scrutiny if their documents do not match the U.S. binary-only system.

Advisory Emphasis on State-Level Risk

A key theme across all the advisories is the distinction between federal policy and state-level implementation. While the federal U.S. government enforces identity documentation rules through customs and border protection, several U.S. states have also introduced laws that restrict identity recognition in public services such as education, housing, or healthcare.

Countries like Ireland and France are specifically warning their citizens that identity protections they enjoy at home may not extend to U.S. jurisdictions like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee, where recent legislation has rolled back identity-based legal protections.

The Netherlands, too, emphasized the “patchwork legal landscape” that characterizes the United States, advising travelers to be cautious not just at the port of entry but throughout their time in the country.

Advocacy Groups and Legal Experts Raise Red Flags

International human rights organizations and identity advocacy groups have welcomed the coordinated government advisories, calling them a necessary step to protect citizens in an increasingly uncertain legal climate.

Legal scholars point to recent federal changes that align identity documentation strictly with birth records, limiting recognition for travelers with legally updated documents in their home countries.

Advocacy networks in Canada and across Europe are urging travelers to stay updated on U.S. policy changes, carry additional documentation where possible, and report any instances of mistreatment to consular officials.

Travel Recommendations from Dutch Authorities

The Dutch government has issued the following recommendations for citizens traveling to the U.S. who may be impacted by identity policy restrictions:

Review U.S. entry requirements carefully, particularly for ESTA and visa applicationsContact the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam for personalized adviceRemain informed about state-specific legal frameworks that could affect access to services or public spacesCarry supporting documentation, such as legal gender change certificates or letters from authoritiesPlan ahead for potential questioning at immigration checkpoints

The Netherlands further advises travelers to maintain communication with their embassy during their stay in the U.S. and to seek consular assistance if faced with any discriminatory practices tied to identity issues.

Travel Impact and Policy Fallout

This wave of international advisories is already influencing travel trends. According to recent surveys by European travel agencies, interest in U.S. tourism from young travelers and student exchange applicants has dropped, with many citing uncertainty over documentation acceptance and safety concerns.

Analysts warn that continued divergence between U.S. federal policies and the more progressive identity laws of European nations may lead to further diplomatic tension or reciprocal scrutiny of U.S. travelers abroad.

Countries like Sweden, Austria, and Spain are also reportedly considering updates to their advisories, as the legal and diplomatic consequences of the U.S. crackdown ripple globally.

The Netherlands has united with Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Portugal, and others in issuing travel warnings over restrictive US identity policies that limit recognition of non-standard documentation. This coordinated response aims to protect travelers facing risks under the new entry and documentation rules.

The Netherlands’ decision to join Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Portugal, and other allies in updating U.S. travel advisories marks a significant collective stance on the international stage. As identity policy becomes a new front for diplomatic concern, these coordinated advisories represent not only a caution to travelers—but a broader statement about global values of inclusion, recognition, and mobility.

Travelers planning to visit the United States are urged to monitor evolving travel guidance, verify documentation requirements, and consult their embassies well in advance of departure to ensure a safe and informed journey.