Latest advisory for UK travellers to the USA

Question

I am due to fly out to San Diego a couple of times in the next few months to visit friends, I already have my ESTA but I'm seeing a lot of activity on various social media platforms saying that the UK and German governments are warning their citizens about stricter entry rules now that Trump is shaking things up. I'm not sure how much of this is scaremongering or click hunting but I've been growing increasingly reluctant to visit the States recently due to the long waits at imigration and I'm on the fence about going back, I'm wondering if anyone has experienced increased queuing, interrogation or having to hand over phones etc?

Answer

Good question. Short answer: yes, there *is* a recent advisory from the UK about stricter U.S. border enforcement — but it doesn’t mean all UK travellers are being barred, just that risk and scrutiny may be higher in certain cases.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, what the risks are, and how you can prepare. (Note: this is based on publicly available information as of now. Things may change, so always check official sources before you travel.)

What is the UK government warning about?

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its U.S. travel advice, stating that U.S. authorities “set and enforce entry rules strictly.” There’s a warning that travellers “may be liable to arrest or detention if they break the rules.”
Importantly, the advisory does *not* say “do not travel.” Rather, it emphasizes compliance with U.S. visa or ESTA conditions.
The warning follows reports of European (including German) travellers being detained or turned back at the U.S. border.
The UK isn’t alone: Germany has similarly cautioned its citizens that having a valid visa or ESTA doesn’t guarantee entry — U.S. border agents have final say.

What about phone searches / device checks?

Yes, there is evidence that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasingly searching electronic devices at the border.
Such searches can range from basic manual inspections to more intrusive forensic-style checks (especially if an officer has “reasonable suspicion”).
Because of this, some travellers are worried about data privacy, especially if they have sensitive information, social media, or politically charged content on their devices.

Have people reported being detained / interrogated?

Yes — there are media reports of UK and German citizens being detained or turned away.
Some of the reasons cited include overstays, false information on entry, or other “entry condition” violations.
However, for many holidaymakers who follow the rules, the risk remains relatively low. The UK’s own guidance notes that most holidaymakers are unlikely to encounter issues if they comply.

So is this just scaremongering, or a real concern?

It’s somewhere in between:

There *is* a real uptick in scrutiny, and the UK government’s updated advice reflects that.
But it's not a blanket travel ban — many travellers will still enter without issue if their paperwork is in order and they comply with entry rules.
The phone/device search risk is real, though the vast majority of travellers won’t be targeted — but it’s not zero, especially with the recent increase in device checks.

What practical steps can you take to minimize risk and make your trip smoother?

Make sure your ESTA (or visa) is fully in order, and that the details match your travel plan. Double-check expiry, exactly where you will be staying, etc.
Comply with all stated conditions: purpose of your trip, length of stay, and what you declared on your application.
Think about the data you’re bringing on your devices: consider leaving non-essential devices at home, or clean up / back up sensitive data before travel.
Be prepared for possible questioning at immigration — have your return ticket, accommodation details, and travel itinerary ready to show.
If you’re very concerned, you could consult a travel lawyer or immigration specialist before flying.

Bottom line: You’re not alone in your concerns — there *is* updated advice and increased scrutiny — but for most travellers who follow the rules, the risk remains manageable. It’s wise to prepare carefully, but not necessarily to cancel your trip entirely.

Latest advisory for UK travellers to the USA

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions