Germany Updates U.S. Travel Advisory Amid Immigration Crackdowns, Joining Wave of Nations Urging Caution
BERLIN – The German Federal Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice for citizens planning trips to the United States, citing specific security concerns related to immigration enforcement operations and associated protests. This places Germany among a growing list of nations, including Canada, the UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands, that have revised their U.S. travel guidance over the past year.
The advisory, updated on January 26, highlights the situation in Minneapolis, where federal agents deployed as part of an immigration crackdown have been involved in fatal incidents, sparking sustained demonstrations. "In Minneapolis and other cities, demonstrations sometimes lead to violent clashes with immigration and security authorities," the guidance states. It advises German nationals in affected areas to monitor local media, remain vigilant, and avoid large gatherings where violence could erupt.
This update follows earlier modifications made by Germany and other European nations. In 2025, several countries introduced specific cautions for LGBTQ+ travelers after the U.S. ceased recognizing passports with gender markers differing from sex assigned at birth. Others have focused on broader issues like border crossing complexities and visa overstay penalties, which can now result in immediate detention and deportation.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Office, Sebastian Hille, framed the update as routine. "We are closely monitoring the situation in all countries our citizens travel to," Hille stated, emphasizing the advisory is a practical safety measure rather than a political commentary. However, the changes coincide with international criticism of certain U.S. domestic security measures.
The ripple effects of the immigration crackdowns have extended into the hospitality sector. Protests have targeted hotels housing federal agents, leading to temporary closures of some properties over security concerns. This follows Hilton's removal of a Minneapolis hotel from its network after management refused to book Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Voices from Travelers & Observers:
Klaus Bauer, a frequent business traveler from Frankfurt: "It's sobering to see such warnings for a country like the U.S. I'm reconsidering my conference in Chicago next month. It feels unstable."
Maria Chen, a university student in Berlin planning a summer road trip: "The advisory is vague about 'several states' asking for identification. As a person of color, this makes me anxious. I might choose Canada instead."
David O. Finch, a political analyst based in London: "This is a profound diplomatic signal. When close allies feel compelled to warn their citizens about domestic law enforcement practices in America, it signifies a deep erosion of trust in U.S. stability and rule of law."
Janice R. Miller, a retired teacher from Florida (commenting online): "This is absolute nonsense and fear-mongering by foreign bureaucrats! The U.S. is enforcing its laws—something every nation does. Maybe they should worry about their own problems instead of lecturing us."
Alongside civil unrest warnings, the German advisory also includes practical updates on seasonal risks like the major winter storm that disrupted East Coast travel in late January.
This report includes information originally published by TheStreet on Jan 30, 2026.