The United Kingdom has updated its travel advice for British citizens planning to visit the United States, warning of potential arrest or detention if travelers fail to comply with entry requirements.
It comes amid President Donald Trump‘s large-scale crackdown on illegal immigration.
“You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry. The authorities in the U.S. set and enforce entry rules strictly. You may be liable to arrest or detention if you break the rules,” the guidance reads.
Why It Matters
Trump pledged to carry out mass deportations of individuals living in the U.S. without legal status. His term started with large-scale immigration raids, a suspension of asylum processing for undocumented migrants, and executive orders expanding ICE‘s authority to arrest and detain those in the country unlawfully.
The administration has prioritized increasing deportation efforts, aiming to remove millions of undocumented immigrants.
What To Know
This marks a notable change from the guidance issued earlier this year. Archived versions of the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website from early February only briefly reference U.S. entry rules being strictly enforced without an explicit warning about potential legal consequences.
The new advisory does not specify a particular reason for the updated language, but it comes amid heightened scrutiny of international travelers by U.S. border officials.
British citizens are urged to ensure they have the correct documentation and to adhere to all visa conditions when entering the country.
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The U.S. has a range of entry requirements, including needing an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval for short-term visits under the Visa Waiver Program. Failure to meet these requirements can result in travelers being denied entry, detained, or deported.
British citizens planning trips to the United States are encouraged to regularly check the FCDO website for the latest travel advice and seek guidance if they are unsure about their visa status.
The guidance comes after Rebecca Burke, a 28-year-old U.K. citizen, was detained and deported from the U.S. and returned to the U.K. on March 18, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Burke, a cartoonist, had been backpacking across the United States, sharing her journey on Instagram, where she posted about her stays in Portland and Seattle.
Her father, Paul Burke, voiced concern in a Facebook post, explaining that his daughter had no criminal record and was on her way to Canada when she was denied entry due to an “incorrect visa.” She was then refused reentry into the U.S., classified as an “illegal alien,” and detained by ICE.
What Happens Next
It is unclear whether this advisory will affect travel to the U.S. or how the U.S. will respond.
Update 3/20/25, 10:53 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
