France advises citizens to state ‘gender assigned at birth’ for US travel amid new visa rules

The French government has issued an advisory to its citizens traveling to the United States, urging them to state their gender as “assigned at birth” while applying for a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This follows recent changes in US immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Although not a travel warning, the French foreign ministry has “strongly recommended” travelers check the US Embassy in Paris’s website for any updates or newly adopted measures. The advisory, released overnight between Monday and Tuesday, highlights a specific change requiring applicants to declare their gender assigned at birth in visa or ESTA applications.

“In particular, for new visa or ESTA applications, it is important to note that a section has been added that requires applicants to state their ‘gender assigned at birth’,” the advisory stated, as reported by AFP. The move comes after concerns were raised that discrepancies in gender declaration could lead to travel disruptions or even denial of entry into the United States.

This advisory follows a stricter warning from Denmark, which cautioned its citizens—especially transgender individuals—about possible entry restrictions to the US. The Danish government’s concerns stem from an executive order signed by Donald Trump on January 20, shortly after his second-term inauguration. The order stipulates that US authorities will only recognize a person’s gender assigned at birth, effectively preventing travelers from marking “X” for non-binary status or choosing a gender different from their birth assignment.

While no cases of French nationals being denied entry to the US over gender-related discrepancies have been reported, the government appears to be taking precautions. The advisory underscores growing concerns among European nations regarding the implications of Trump’s executive order on travelers from countries with more inclusive gender recognition policies.

ESTA, an automated system determining a traveler’s eligibility under the US Visa Waiver Program, allows nationals from dozens of countries, including France, to visit for up to 90 days without a visa. However, an ESTA does not guarantee entry, as final decisions are made by US border officials upon arrival. With these new requirements in place, French travelers are being advised to ensure their documentation aligns with US regulations to avoid potential travel issues.