Norway has updated its travel information for citizens planning to visit the United States, following the lead of several other European countries. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD) confirmed the changes on Monday, citing recent incidents involving European travelers facing detainment and deportation by U.S. immigration authorities.
“We have today updated our travel information for the U.S. The update concerns entry requirements,” UD spokesperson Laik Hanbaly told VG.
The new advisory warns Norwegian travelers that approval through the ESTA visa waiver program or a valid visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. Immigration officers at the border have the final say, and Norwegian authorities cannot intervene in these decisions. The advisory also highlights potential entry denials for travelers with previous immigration violations, false declarations, or extended stays beyond their permitted duration.
Additionally, the updated guidelines address gender identity considerations. The U.S. only recognizes the gender assigned at birth when applying for travel authorization. Travelers whose current gender differs from their birth-assigned gender are advised to consult the U.S. Embassy before departure.
Growing Concerns Over European Detainments
The revision comes as multiple European governments react to reports of their citizens being detained for extended periods by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Germany, which updated its travel guidance last Wednesday, reported that four of its citizens have been in ICE custody since early 2025, despite holding valid ESTA approvals. Deutsche Welle reported on cases like Fabian Schmidt, who was arrested at Boston’s Logan Airport on March 7, leaving his mother, Astrid Senior, feeling “helpless.”
Other incidents include:
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A German citizen, Jessica Brösche, detained for six weeks, including a week in isolation.
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A Welsh traveler held for nearly three weeks after attempting to enter the U.S. from Canada.
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A Canadian woman with a valid work visa arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border and held for 12 days.
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A French researcher denied entry allegedly due to past critical statements about U.S. policies. U.S. authorities, however, claim he possessed confidential information from Los Alamos National Laboratory.
With growing scrutiny over U.S. border policies, Norwegian authorities urge travelers to stay informed and take necessary precautions before visiting the country.
