Here's Why Portugal Issued Travel Advisory For Citizens Travelling To US

Lisbon: A growing number of European countries have updated their travel advice for the United States, citing tighter entry conditions and changes surrounding gender recognition. Portugal, one of the latest countries to issue new guidance, warned travellers that possessing an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) or visa does not guarantee entry into the US. Portugal's decision to issue a travel advisory for its citizens comes as America's stricter immigration and enforcement practices under President Donald Trump have sparked global concern.

Reportedly, several European countries, including Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Germany, France, and the UK, have also issued revised travel advisories for the US. These warnings emphasise that official travel documents are not a guarantee for entry into the country. The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its guidance on March 25, advising travellers to exercise caution when entering the US.

Amidst the rising number of European nations issuing guidelines for its citizens travelling to the US, Paul Statham, a professor of migration at the University of Sussex in England, noted that groups targeted by Trump rhetoric and policies, such as trans people, may feel less safe and fear intrusive inspections and questions at the border. "Groups who may feel targeted by Trump rhetoric and policies – trans people, in particular, may feel less safe and fear intrusive inspections and questions at the border," Statham said.

Alex Nowrasteh, the vice president for economic and social policy studies at the CATO Institute, suggests that these warnings may negatively impact tourism and immigration. "It's unclear how much these warnings will affect tourism and immigration, but it can only be negative," Nowrasteh said.

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The updated travel advisories come after several recent incidents at the US border control. A French scientist was denied entry after border officials searched his phone and found messages critical of Trump. A UK tourist, Becky Burke, was also detained at border control.

Implications For European Travellers

The revised travel advisories have sparked concerns among European travelers. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the stance by the European nations is hinting a further escalation of diplomatic tension with the US. 

The updated travel advisories from European countries reflect growing concerns about US immigration policies. The officials have stated that as the situation develops, travellers must stay informed and exercise caution when planning trips to the US.