BRUSSELS — A growing number of Europeans are scrapping travel plans to the United States as new gender-related border policies under the Trump administration spark chaos and concern, particularly for LGBTQ+ travelers. As of April 8, 2025, multiple European Union countries have issued travel warnings, citing risks for transgender and non-binary citizens whose identity documents may not align with their “sex at birth.”
The U.S. has tightened entry protocols, reportedly detaining travelers whose passports or IDs feature gender markers—such as the “X” designation for non-binary individuals—that conflict with traditional male or female classifications. This shift has prompted Denmark, Germany, Finland, and other EU nations to urge citizens with “X” markers to consult U.S. embassies before booking flights, warning of potential delays or denials at the border.
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The impact on tourism is already evident. European travel to the U.S. has dropped sharply, with French hotel giant Accor reporting a 25% decline in U.S. bookings from Europe this summer. Darren Burn, CEO of Out of Office, an LGBTQ+ travel agency, noted a surge in client unease. “We’ve seen a noticeable increase in our LGBTQ+ clients expressing concerns about travel to the U.S.,” he said, highlighting fears of discrimination or detention.
The warnings and cancellations threaten a key economic lifeline, as European visitors have long bolstered U.S. tourism. With diplomatic tensions simmering and advocacy groups decrying the rules as exclusionary, the policy shift risks further straining transatlantic ties. For now, many Europeans are opting to stay home—or redirect their vacations elsewhere—until clarity emerges on navigating America’s evolving border landscape.
Key Points:
Travel Warnings Issued: Multiple EU countries have issued travel warnings for LGBTQ+ citizens, particularly transgender and non-binary individuals, planning trips to the U.S. as of April 8, 2025.
Border Policy Changes: New U.S. rules under the Trump administration may detain travelers whose identity documents, like passports with “X” gender markers, don’t match their “sex at birth.”
EU Countries Respond: Denmark, Germany, Finland, and others are advising citizens with “X” gender markers to contact U.S. embassies before traveling to avoid complications.
Tourism Decline: European travel to the U.S. is dropping significantly, with French hotel group Accor reporting a 25% plunge in U.S. bookings from Europe this summer.
LGBTQ+ Concerns: Darren Burn, CEO of LGBTQ+ travel agency Out of Office, noted a marked increase in clients worried about potential discrimination or detention at U.S. borders.
Economic Impact: The cancellations threaten U.S. tourism revenue, a sector heavily reliant on European visitors.
Diplomatic Strain: The policy shift could worsen transatlantic relations, with advocacy groups criticizing it as exclusionary, prompting many Europeans to reconsider or redirect their travel plans.
