Since the beginning of the Trump administration, many decrees have been passed, including executive orders relating to travel. But even before that, there were already restrictions that made travelling to the USA more difficult. A3M provides an overview of the restrictions that private and business travellers can expect and what they should look out for.

🔹 Increased risk of arrests and deportations

Context: In the wake of alleged violations of immigration law, there have been arrests and deportations of foreign nationals, including Germans, at US borders. The US authorities are carrying out increased checks on people entering the country, whereby even minor offences can lead to far-reaching consequences. People with a criminal record, incorrect information about the purpose of their stay or who have overstayed their welcome can face arrest, detention pending deportation or direct deportation. Personal opinions against positions of the Trump administration can also lead to entry being denied, as in the recent example of a French scientist from the National Centre for Scientific Research who was turned back in Houston (Texas) on 10 March.

The Federal Foreign Office and the British FCDO have adjusted their travel advice due to current developments.

► In the coming months, travellers should be prepared for stricter entry regulations and stricter controls.

🔹 New entry lists and stricter hurdles

Context: According to media reports, the US government is planning a colour-coded classification of countries (red, orange, yellow). This could lead to nationals of certain countries having to fulfil stricter entry requirements, or even being faced with a complete entry ban. Currently, 43 countries are affected, but concrete details are still pending.

► Travellers from the following countries would be banned from entering the country: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iran, Yemen, Cuba, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Venezuela.

► For travellers from the following countries, restrictions would apply when applying for migration and for tourist or student visas: Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Turkmenistan.

► A final decision is still pending for the following countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Gambia, Cambodia, Guinea, Cameroon, Congo, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, São Tomé and Príncipe, Chad, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.

ℹ️ Until now, travellers who are exempt from the visa requirement have had to apply for an ESTA. However, this facilitated entry option does not apply to persons who have travelled to one of the following countries after 1 March 2011 or are citizens of these countries: North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen. The same applies to travellers who travelled to Cuba after 12 January 2021 or are citizens of Cuba.

🔹 New requirements for gender information in visa and ESTA applications

Context: Since the end of January 2025, Executive Order 14168 requires travellers applying for an ESTA or visa to note that only male or female can be selected for the gender entry, whereby the gender is based on the assignment at birth.

► Travellers whose current gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth must contact the respective US diplomatic mission abroad. This also applies if an “X” is entered in the passport.

🔹 Obligation to register for long-term stays

Context: From 11 April 2025, a registration requirement will come into force for foreign nationals who plan to stay in the USA for more than 30 days and who are older than 14 years.

► Foreign nationals must register with the authorities and give their fingerprints. This mainly applies to entry by land, as the necessary requirements for entry by air are already registered.

Recommendations for travellers

👉 Careful preparation: Travellers should ensure that all required documents are complete and up-to-date. In particular, this includes a valid ESTA or visa that corresponds exactly to the intended purpose of the visit.

👉 Inform yourself in advance: It is advisable to find out about the latest regulations in advance. In addition to the A3M Destination Manager, the websites of the Federal Foreign Office and the US embassies provide verified information on this.

👉 Professional advice: In case of uncertainty or more complex cases, consultation with the relevant US authorities or a law firm specializing in US immigration law can be helpful.