The United Kingdom has updated its travel advisory for British citizens visiting the United States, cautioning that travelers may face arrest or detention if they fail to comply with U.S. entry requirements. The revision comes amid heightened border enforcement measures introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.
"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," reads the updated guidance published by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The advisory reflects growing concerns over stricter U.S. immigration policies. Since taking office in January, Trump has signed several executive orders aimed at tightening border security, enhancing visa vetting processes, and accelerating deportation efforts targeting undocumented migrants.
Archived versions of the UK government's travel advice show that, prior to February, the advisory merely stated: "The authorities in the U.S. set and enforce entry rules." The explicit warning regarding possible arrest or detention is a recent addition.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office declined to comment on the specific reasons behind the revision or the exact timing of the update. The department emphasized that travel advice is kept under constant review to help British nationals make informed decisions.
The advisory comes after a recent case involving Rebecca Burke, a 28-year-old British citizen who was detained by U.S. immigration authorities and deported. Burke, a cartoonist, had been traveling across the U.S., sharing her experiences on social media before being stopped at the border while attempting to enter Canada.
Her father, Paul Burke, wrote in a Facebook post that his daughter was detained over an "incorrect visa" and subsequently classified as an "illegal alien" before being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Burke returned to the UK on March 18. Local media reported that the UK Foreign Office provided consular support during her detention.
Germany also recently updated its travel advisory for the U.S., highlighting that a valid visa or entry waiver does not guarantee admission. The revision followed reports of German nationals being detained at U.S. borders in recent weeks.
Under Trump's administration, U.S. immigration officials have expanded enforcement authority, leading to increased detentions at entry points. Entry into the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program requires travelers to obtain prior approval via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and any violation of visa conditions may result in denial of entry or deportation.
