Update on Travel Recommendations for Dutch Travelers
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently revised its travel recommendations for people from the LGBTIQ+ community traveling to the United States. The updated advisory warns about the existence of different laws and customs that could affect these travelers.
Changes in Official Advice
Until now, Dutch authorities considered U.S. LGBT+ rights laws to be comparable to those in the Netherlands. However, on Tuesday, this statement was replaced with a warning that several U.S. states have enacted local legislation that could negatively impact the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals, particularly regarding access to healthcare.
No Specific Incidents Reported
A spokesperson for the ministry told RTL Nieuws that this update was not triggered by any specific incidents. Despite the new recommendations, the United States remains classified as “green” in travel advisories, meaning it is still considered a safe destination for Dutch travelers.
Restrictions on Visa Applications
The advisory also notes that U.S. visa application forms now only allow two options – “male” or “female” – for the gender question. Travelers who have concerns about this are encouraged to contact the U.S. consulate in Amsterdam.
Germany Also Tightens Its Travel Warnings
The Netherlands is not the only country adjusting its travel recommendations. Germany has recently strengthened its warnings after several cases in which German citizens, despite holding valid visas, were arrested and deported by U.S. immigration authorities.