Incidents that some European citizens have faced when trying to enter the United States since Donald Trump took office have led the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to update the travel recommendations. These are measures advised by the foreign service to guide citizens on what to do to avoid issues when visiting a particular country.
These documents cover detailed aspects such as documents and visas, currencies, and safety in the desired destination. For each country, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has specific travel recommendations that are periodically reviewed, including those for the United States.
Spain updated the recommendations on March 31st. This update followed warnings from the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Finland to their citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the United States, motivated by news of border arrests or denial of entry permits.
In the new text, which can be found on the Ministry's website, a section for transgender individuals has been included. It is important to note that Donald Trump only recognizes two genders, male and female. Therefore, to avoid issues at customs, the Foreign Affairs Ministry informs: "Recent measures implemented by the United States Government require these forms to reflect the traveler's biological sex at birth. Travelers whose gender on their passport differs from their assigned gender at birth are advised to carry a copy of their birth certificate. For further information, it is recommended to consult the US Embassy or Consulate."
The text emphasizes complying with current entry laws and not entering with a tourist visa to seek employment in the country. "Attempting to re-enter the United States after a tourist stay exceeding 90 days or upon reasonable suspicion by immigration authorities that the tourist intends to engage in work activities (illegal immigration) are serious violations of US immigration law that can often lead to detention in an ICE detention center." Additionally, it explains that "living conditions vary from one detention center to another, and communication possibilities with the outside world differ depending on the centers and states where they are located. It is advised that from the moment of detention, individuals request that their Consulate be informed, especially if they do not have a passport."
According to the data website Statista, 897,000 Spaniards visited the United States in 2024. The number of travelers has not yet reached the peak of 2019, before the pandemic, when 943,000 citizens traveled to the country. According to Eva Blasco, Vice President of the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies (CEAV), it is predicted that fear of arbitrary detentions will decrease reservations to travel to the country. Blasco stated to EFE TV: "If you are going on vacation to spend your money in a destination, it is absurd to have concerns about passing through immigration control."