Denmark and Finland Update Travel Guidance for Transgender Individuals Traveling to the US
Denmark and Finland have revised their travel advisories for transgender individuals planning to visit the United States. These updates align them with a growing number of European nations that have recently issued cautions to travelers bound for the US, following reports of complications encountered at American ports of entry.
Danish Advisory Urges Contacting US Embassy
This week, Denmark announced that it has started advising transgender travelers to get in touch with the US embassy in Copenhagen prior to their departure. This measure is intended to preemptively address any potential problems related to travel documentation.
This adjustment follows policy shifts in the US that prioritized the rollback of transgender and non-binary rights. Previous US administration actions included formally recognizing only two genders, efforts to exclude transgender individuals from military service, limitations on sports access, and restrictions on gender transition procedures for minors.
While the Danish foreign ministry did not directly reference specific US administrations, it highlighted that the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization application only permits travelers to select “male” or “female” gender designations. Danish law, conversely, allows citizens to identify their gender as “X”.
Specific Advice for Travelers with ‘X’ Gender Designation or Gender Change
The updated Danish travel advisory explicitly states: “If your passport has the gender designation X or you have changed gender, it is recommended to contact the US embassy prior to travel for guidance on how to proceed.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
According to officials, no Danish citizens have been denied entry to the US or detained at the border in recent times. The advisory update was reportedly prompted by a request from LGBT+ Danmark, an advocacy organization.
Susanne Branner Jespersen of LGBT+ Danmark expressed concerns to Danish broadcaster Radio IIII: “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.”
Finland and Germany Issue Similar Warnings
Earlier this month, Germany also reportedly indicated that transgender travelers, or those with “X” gender markers on their passports, should consult with US diplomatic missions before commencing travel.
Shortly after, Finland modified its travel advice page. The updated page, revised in mid-March, states: “If the applicant’s current sex on their passport is different from their sex confirmed at birth, the US authorities may refuse entry.”
Broader European Trend in Travel Advisories
Other European countries have also moved to strengthen the language used in their US entry requirement advisories. In Germany, reports of three German nationals being detained at the US border led the government to revise its travel advisory, noting that a visa or entry waiver does not guarantee entry to the US.
A spokesperson for the German foreign ministry told Reuters, “The final decision on whether a person can enter the US lies with the US border authorities.”
UK Travel Advisory Also Revised
British officials also appear to have re-examined their US travel guidance. The UK advisory now points out that individuals found to be in violation of US entry regulations may face arrest or detention.
Recent reports highlighted the detention of a British tourist in the US for 10 days, reportedly due to the allegation that she should have applied for a working visa instead of a tourist visa.
When questioned by Reuters, the UK Foreign Office declined to comment on the reasons for the advisory change or confirm the date of its revision.