Agency Report –
Berlin has updated its travel advice for the United States following several incidents in which German citizens were arrested upon arrival.
According to the German Foreign Office’s website, having a criminal record in the US, providing false information about the purpose of travel, or even a minor overstay can lead to arrest, detention and deportation when entering or leaving the country.
The updated advice follows three recent cases where Germans were detained upon arrival in the US.
One such case involved a German citizen living in the US, who, according to family members, was detained in Boston and held for over a week.
In two other cases, the individuals were eventually able to return to Germany, the Foreign Office said.
A spokesman for the ministry said that the Foreign Office is taking these incidents seriously.
He further noted that it was decided on Tuesday to revise the travel and security advice for German citizens, particularly with regard to US entry controls.
The updated advice includes a reminder that holding an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or US visa does not guarantee entry into the country.
“The final decision rests with US border authorities,” the spokesman said, noting that the same applies with German authorities.
