Travel in the Trump Era: What’s Actually Changed for Visitors?

The Trump administration has tightened visa vetting procedures and border controls, and several countries have revised their advice for citizens traveling to the U.S.

We take a look at what exactly has changed and how it could impact certain tourists visiting the U.S. and American citizens traveling abroad.

Has There Been a Change in U.S. Policy?

In terms of policy, not much has changed for foreign visitors applying to enter. For years, citizens of 43 countries, including most European countries, have been able to visit the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days. They must have a valid passport that is not set to expire within six months, and most people are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Those rules are unchanged.

In countries not participating in the visa-free travel agreement, visas are vetted in consulates in their home countries. These requirements haven’t changed either.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are allowed to question tourists about why they’re visiting the U.S., how long they plan to stay, and where. As has always been the case, they can make the final call at the airport about whether someone can enter, regardless of whether they have an ESTA.

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