Denmark Issues Urgent Travel Warning for Transgender Citizens Visiting the U.S.
Denmark has updated its travel advisory, urging transgender citizens to contact the U.S. Embassy before traveling due to new American policies affecting gender identity on official documents.
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that travelers with an "X" gender marker in their passport or those who have legally changed their gender should seek guidance before applying for a U.S. visa or ESTA. This move follows similar warnings from Germany and Finland, reflecting concerns about the evolving regulatory landscape in the U.S.
Why the Update? Recent U.S. Policy Changes
The advisory update comes just weeks after President Donald Trump signed an executive order defining sex strictly as male or female for official documentation, affecting passports and other federal policies.
As a result, the U.S. State Department has stopped issuing passports with an "X" gender marker and no longer allows individuals to update their gender designation based on identity rather than birth assignment.
Concerns Raised by Danish Advocacy Groups
LGBT+ Denmark, a leading advocacy group, had earlier petitioned the Danish government to update the advisory, citing the potential risk of transgender travelers facing difficulties at U.S. immigration checkpoints.
Susanne Branner, the organization’s head, highlighted that thousands of Danish citizens who have legally changed their gender may now face complications, including possible entry denial.
Germany and Finland Issue Similar Warnings
Germany and Finland have also revised their travel guidelines:
- Germany: The foreign ministry advises individuals with an "X" gender marker or those whose legal gender differs from their birth-assigned gender to consult a U.S. diplomatic mission before travel.
- Finland: Officials warn that U.S. authorities may deny entry to travelers whose passport gender does not align with their birth-assigned sex, urging them to verify requirements in advance.
What Should Transgender Travelers Do?
As uncertainty grows over the impact of these policies, transgender and nonbinary travelers are strongly encouraged to:
- Contact the nearest U.S. embassy before planning a trip.
- Verify entry requirements based on their passport gender marker.
- Stay updated on any further policy changes that may affect travel.
This advisory highlights the growing concerns among European nations regarding the evolving U.S. travel policies for transgender individuals.