Britain & Germany Issue Travel Warnings for U.S.

Britain and Germany have updated their travel advisories for the United States, warning citizens that anyone found breaching the country’s entry rules could face detention.

Last week, news broke that a British tourist was being detained after trying to enter the U.S. at the Tijuana border. This was the third such case since President Donald Trump cracked down on border crossings.

President Trump has tightened the country’s entry requirements with sweeping travel restrictions, framed as an attempt to curb migrants illegally entering the country.

According to The New York Times, three European tourists—Jessica Brösche, Lucas Sielaff, and Becky Burke—were detained for weeks before being deported after attempting to cross the border into San Diego.

All three travelers believed they were following entry rules, and assert they still are unclear why they were detained. According to the NYT, Burke was traveling on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The Northwest ICE Processing Center said to the BBC: “All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States regardless of nationality.”

An advisory on the German Foreign Office website warns that the ESTA or a U.S. visa does not guarantee entry into the country, and that border control has the final say. The Office recommends tourists bring evidence of a return flight.

“Previously convicted criminals in the USA, false statements regarding the purpose of their stay, or even a slight overstay of their visa upon entry or exit can lead to arrest, detention, and deportation upon entry or exit,” the advisory cautions.

Britain’s foreign office has also updated its U.S. travel advisory. On March 14, the USA entry requirements advice for travelers with a full British passport was updated to include the potential risk of detainment:

“You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry. The authorities in the U.S. set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in the U.K.”

Previously the advisory read, “The authorities in the U.S. set and enforce entry rules.”