LGBTQI+ rights in the US prompt Belgium to update travel advice
As announced earlier this week, the Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) for Foreign Affairs has officially updated its travel advice for the US, citing recent changes in the treatment of trans people and the wider LGBTQI+ community.
The new advisory warns transgender and non-binary people that they must declare their gender on their visas. "Travellers to the US must identify their gender as either 'male' or 'female' when applying for an ESTA or visa. The US refers to the applicant's sex as assigned at birth," the FPS website says in its travel advice.
The ministry points out there are significant differences between states in both legislation and societal attitudes towards LGBTQI+ people, and notes that the US federal government has recently introduced new rules regarding gender markers on travel documents.
In addition, the advisory warns that "crimes, misrepresentation of purpose, or even a minor overstay may result in arrest, detention, prosecution and deportation upon entry or departure". Travellers with further questions should contact the relevant US embassy or Customs and Border Protection before departure.
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Belgium is not the first country to update its guidance on travel to the US. Germany, Finland and Denmark have also recently revised their advice in light of these developments.
Since taking office, Donald Trump has repeatedly drawn criticism for decisions and statements seen as restricting the rights of transgender people. On his first day in office, he signed an executive order recognising only male and female genders.
© PHOTO HANS LUCAS COLLECTION
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