Berlin has revised its travel guidance for the United States to emphasize that possessing a US visa or an entry waiver does not guarantee entry for citizens of Germany.

This update follows the detainment of three German nationals while attempting to enter the US.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office asserted that such incidents are being taken seriously by the ministry.

The advisory was modified on Tuesday and now includes a reminder that approval through the US ESTA system or possession of a US visa does not necessarily guarantee entry in every instance.

“The final decision on whether someone is allowed to enter the US is made by the US border authorities,” the spokesperson stated, stating that the same is true for German authorities.

He further stated that the change does not represent a travel warning.

What occurred to the Germans detained in the US?

In one instance, a German man holding a green card residency permit was detained at Boston airport last week upon returning from Luxembourg. He has been in detention since then, according to his family members.

In another case, a 25-year-old German was detained in February while crossing the border from Mexico with his American fiancée, as reported by the news magazine Spiegel. After two weeks in detention, he was deported back to Germany.

A 29-year-old woman who was also stopped at the US-Mexican border in January was returned to Germany last week, according to Spiegel.

Authorities in Germany are investigating whether the recent detentions were isolated occurrences or indicative of a shift in American policy.

Tourists from Germany and other EU countries are typically granted visa-free access to the US for up to 90 days.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-updates-us-travel-advice-after-citizens-detained/a-71980369?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf