The United Kingdom and Germany have updated their travel advisories for citizens planning to visit the United States, urging travelers to ensure they meet all entry requirements to avoid potential detention or deportation. Travelers from countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling. However, an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the US, as the final decision rests with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the border.
Why This MattersThe updates come after several high-profile incidents of travelers being denied entry or detained by US immigration authorities. For example, on March 9, a French scientist was denied entry while on assignment for the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) after critical messages about President Donald Trump were found on his phone. Similarly, a UK tourist, Becky Burke, was detained for 19 days earlier this month despite believing she had followed all entry procedures.
These cases highlight the stringent nature of US entry rules and the potential consequences for non-compliance.What You Need to KnowFor visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, the ESTA is a mandatory requirement for short-term visits (up to 90 days) for tourism or business purposes. The ESTA is not a visa but a pre-screening process used by CBP to assess eligibility for entry.
The UK and Germany’s travel advisories stress that while an approved ESTA.
