UK and Germany Warn: US Visa or ESTA Authorization Not a Guarantee of Entry

Under President Donald Trump, the US tightened its immigration enforcement. With this, the United Kingdom and Germany warned citizens that a US Visa or ESTA authorization will not guarantee entry to the United States. 

This announcement from the UK and Germany came after a series of detentions involving European travelers. Some of these travelers were arrested, while others were detained before they were sent home. 

Germany’s foreign ministry said that it had already been investigating the three cases involving its citizens who were placed in detention after trying to enter the US. Germany’s spokesperson Sebastian Fischer said “We have recently become aware of three cases in which German citizens were unable to enter the USA and were detained for deportation when they entered the country.”

Fischer also said that two of the three cases had been resolved. However, Germany is “monitoring the situation.” 

US Border Authorities Get the Final Say

According to Germany’s Foreign Office statement, its spokesperson said that “The final decision on whether a person can enter the U.S. lies with the U.S. border authorities.” Also, Germany’s travel advisory stressed that criminal record, false information, and even overstaying from previous trips could result in arrest, deportation, or detention. 

Britain also issued a similar statement as Germany. The UK Foreign Office, reminded travelers, “You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules.”

A US Visa Doesn’t Guarantee Entry

A Canadian and a British national have also reportedly been detained. This draws more attention to Trump’s executive orders that focused on stricter border enforcement and a stricter visa screening process.

Since a US visa doesn’t guarantee entry to the US, German travelers are reminded to have their return plans ready. Travelers dealing with these issues are encouraged to contact the Department of Homeland Security. 

The U.S. State Department announced it will strictly enforce visa regulations and other entry requirements.