Finland and Denmark Warn Transgender Citizens About U.S. Travel

March 24, 2025

Finland and Denmark have recently updated their travel advisories aimed at transgender citizens planning to visit the United States. These measures respond to changes in U.S. policies that could potentially impact these travelers.

Ida Guldbaek Arentsen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP, File

The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises individuals with an "X" gender marker on their passports, or those who have undergone gender transition, to contact the U.S. Embassy before traveling.

This precaution is necessary because, when applying for an ESTA or U.S. visa, only two gender options—male or female—are available.

Similarly, Finland has issued advisories for its transgender citizens, suggesting they consult with U.S. authorities before travel to avoid potential issues related to gender designation on their travel documents.

These travel advisories follow recent actions by President Donald Trump's administration aimed at limiting transgender rights. Measures include the exclusion of transgender individuals from military service and restricting gender transition procedures for individuals under the age of 19.

Transgender citizens of Finland and Denmark planning to visit the United States are advised to:

Consult the U.S. embassy or consulate in their respective countries before traveling.

Ensure their travel documents' information matches the available gender options on visa or ESTA application forms.

Stay informed about current U.S. policies that may affect their entry into the country.

These precautions aim to prevent transgender travelers from encountering difficulties when entering the United States due to discrepancies between their gender designation and U.S. travel documentation requirements. The Finnish and Danish governments have made it clear that these recommendations are meant to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens. However, the advisories have also sparked debates about the implications of U.S. policies on its relationships with international allies.