Travel warning: New entry requirements for the USA cause uncertainty

Travel warning: New entry requirements for the USA cause uncertainty

On March 8, 2025, the Federal Foreign Office updated the travel and safety advice for the USA. University members are urged to consider the new guidelines before traveling on business. A central concern of the new information is the more difficult entry for non-binary and trans* people. According to an executive order issued on January 20, 2025, travelers are required to indicate their gender as “male” or “female” on ESTA or visa applications. The relevant gender entry must be that assigned at birth. Travelers with a gender entry of “X” or a different gender entry are encouraged to contact the responsible US diplomatic mission in Germany to clarify the specific entry requirements. University members should inform themselves early and seek contact with funding or partner organizations in order to avoid potential difficulties.

The updated travel advice also refers to the general security situation in the USA. The risk of terrorist attacks remains elevated, particularly given the current political situation in the context of the situation in Gaza. Violent crime in major American cities has also increased, increasing risks in certain neighborhoods. There are also reports of increasing pickpockets and robberies, especially in urban areas. Travelers are urged to be vigilant and to inform themselves about the security situation on site.

Important travel recommendations

The Federal Foreign Office offers several recommendations to increase security while staying in the USA. This includes adding yourself to the crisis preparedness list and using the “Sicher Reisen” app. Travel health insurance is also recommended to protect you in the event of health problems during your stay. Travelers should also find out about the weather conditions and emergency preparedness measures from the Federal Office for Civil Protection.

Another significant challenge for travelers from Germany are the entry regulations. German citizens are allowed to travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), provided they meet certain criteria. This includes that the passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay and a return or onward travel ticket must be presented. An Electronic Entry Authorization (ESTA) is also mandatory, which must be applied for at least 72 hours before departure. The cost of the ESTA application is $21.

Safety and health risks

Health risks in the United States vary significantly. Increased cases of bird flu A(H5N1) have been detected, although the risk for travelers is considered to be low. Travelers are advised to check vaccinations against hepatitis A, dengue fever, hepatitis B, rabies and meningococcal. In addition, preventive measures against mosquito bites are recommended to minimize the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and West Nile fever.

Travelers should also consider the effects of climate and natural conditions. In many regions of the United States, there is an increased risk of wildfires and wildfires from June to December, while hurricane season occurs from May to November. Extreme weather conditions such as cold temperatures and blizzards can also occur during the winter, particularly in the Midwest and East Coast. Earthquake and tsunami hazards exist in seismically active zones such as California and Alaska.

In order to be well prepared, travelers should also pay attention to the local cultural rules of conduct. The special regulations include bans on nude bathing in most beach areas as well as specific regulations for alcohol consumption, which is restricted in public.