France has updated its travel guidance for French citizens heading to the United States, warning travelers are now required to declare their gender assigned at birth when completing visa or ESTA applications.
The move follows growing international concern over a decree signed by President Donald Trump on January 20.
A spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry told Newsweek it had adapted online recommendations to take account of changes in U.S. regulations, in particular the presidential decree, although it was not aware of any difficulties involving French citizens as yet.
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Why It Matters
The move by France follows a warning by Denmark that transgender people could be barred from entering the U.S. as a result of Trump’s January 20 decree. Other European countries, including Germany and Finland, have suggested the minority group may face difficulties when trying to enter the United States.
What To Know
Upon entering the White House, Trump signed a decree that the U.S. government only recognizes the gender assigned to a person at birth. This means that people could not mark “X” to indicate a nonbinary status, or declare a different gender, on their visa or ESTA applications.
ESTA, or “Electronic System for Travel Authorization,” is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to the U.S. under its visa waiver program. An ESTA, which is valid for visits up to 90 days, does not guarantee admission to U.S. territory and the final decision is up to border officials on a visitor’s arrival.
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French media reported that Paris has changed its official advice to citizens traveling to the U.S. by warning they must state in visa or ESTA applications their gender assigned at birth.
The French Foreign Ministry did not go as far as Denmark, but in a notice published late Monday it advised potential visitors to “strongly consult” the U.S. Embassy in Paris for the latest information, urging vigilance over “any changes or new measures adopted” by U.S. authorities, AFP reported.
The Danish Foreign Ministry has followed other European countries such as Germany and Finland in suggesting the minority group may have trouble entering the United States.
What People Are Saying
The French Foreign Ministry spokesperson told Newsweek: “We have adapted our online recommendations to take account of changes in US regulations, in particular the Presidential Decree of 20 January 2025. At this stage, we are not aware of any difficulties with French citizens.”
The French Foreign Ministry, as cited by AFP: “For new visa or ESTA applications, it is important to note that a section has been added that requires applicants to state their ‘gender assigned at birth’.”
What Happens Next
France is among dozens of countries whose citizens are eligible for an ESTA and it is not clear what impact the French foreign ministry’s guidance will have on citizens’ visits to the U.S.
Which Countries Have Issued Travel Warnings for the U.S.?
Germany’s updated guidance states that even travelers with a valid visa or authorization via the ESTA are not guaranteed entry into the U.S., and that U.S. Customs and Border Protection retains the ultimate authority at the point of entry. “The final decision as to whether a person can enter the United States rests with the American border authorities,” a German Foreign Office spokesperson said on Wednesday.
The U.S. Department of State told Newsweek: “The majority of German nationals seek admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and obtain an electronic travel authorization (ESTA) prior to being granted boarding.
“We will only issue U.S. visas with a male or female sex marker that matches the applicant’s biological sex as defined in E.O. 14168.”
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has similarly cautioned British citizens that they “should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry.” The advisory emphasizes that enforcement is strict, and any violation could result in arrest or detention. “If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the U.S. Embassy or a consulate in the U.K.,” the guidance advises.
Travel advisories from Denmark and Finland have highlighted specific concerns for transgender and nonbinary travelers, particularly in relation to changes in U.S. passport recognition policy. Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes that individuals whose passport gender does not match their gender assigned at birth may have their visa or travel permit denied. Denmark’s government issued similar advice, warning of possible detentions.
“If your passport has the gender designation X or you have changed gender, it is recommended to contact the U.S. embassy prior to travel for guidance on how to proceed,” Denmark’s Foreign Ministry stated.
Updates 3/25/25, 10 a.m. and 3/26/25, 7:32 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with further information and comment from the French Foreign Ministry.