Germany Warns Citizens on US Travel Risks After Detentions
The German government's warning highlights the uncertainty and risks associated with traveling to the US, particularly for citizens who may be detained or denied entry despite having valid visas or ESTA approvals, and the importance of being prepared and informed before embarking on a trip to America.
European tourists, including a German citizen, have been detained at US borders, sparking concerns about the risks of traveling to America, with Germany updating its travel advisory to warn citizens that a visa or ESTA approval does not guarantee entry.
Lennon Tyler, a US citizen, and her German fiancé Lucas Sielaff were detained at the San Ysidro Port of Entry after returning from Tijuana, with Sielaff being accused of violating his 90-day US tourist permit and held for 16 days in a crowded immigration detention center. Similar incidents have been reported, including a German tourist who spent six weeks locked up and a Canadian woman who spent 12 days in detention.
The detentions have raised questions about the US authorities' handling of tourists, with the University of California, Los Angeles warning its foreign-born students and staff to consider the risks of non-essential travel to the US. The incidents come amid ongoing legal fights over the Trump administration's arrests and deportations of foreigners with valid visas and green card holders.
Germany has taken the detention of its citizens seriously, with the Foreign Office updating its travel advisory to highlight potential reasons for detention, including criminal convictions, false information, and visa overstays. The advisory also warns citizens that US border control has the final say and that individuals should bring proof of return travel.
As the situation continues to unfold, travelers from Germany and other countries are advised to exercise caution when planning trips to the US, ensuring they have all necessary documentation and are aware of the potential risks and consequences of detention.