The Belgian foreign ministry has modified its travel advice for Belgians travelling to the US now President Trump is in the White House. The new advice makes transgenders and non-binary people aware that they must declare their gender at birth on their visa. President Trump earlier signed an executive order resulting in the US only recognising 2 genders: male and female.
Belgium changes US travel advice: transgenders and non-binary persons should list 'gender at birth'
Colin Clapson
Published:
The Belgian foreign ministry indicated it would change its travel advice for the US following the example of many other EU states. This move comes against the backdrop of ‘increasing border controls and changing attitudes towards the LGBTQI+ community’ under President Donald J. Trump, the ministry said.
Gender at birth
The travel advisory has now been updated. People wishing to travel to the US are now made aware that ESTA and visa applications must specify ‘male’ or ‘female’ gender as registered at birth. Belgians who have changed gender are therefore not allowed to specify their current gender, if they want to enter the US.
The foreign ministry warns that ‘criminal offences, false statements about the purpose of stay or even a slight overstay can lead to arrest, detention, prosecution and deportation upon entry or exit’.
Attitudes towards LGBTQI+ differ from state to state
The Belgian advisory has long warned of differing attitudes towards individuals from the LGBTQI+ community. These can vary greatly from state to state. The ministry refers travellers to the Human Rights Campaign website , where the situation can be monitored.
‘We advise all travellers to be well prepared and keep abreast of the latest developments. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and, if necessary, further measures will be taken to tighten travel advice,’ said a Belgian foreign ministry spokesperson.