‘Critics of USA or staff with x as their sex: do not go to the US!’, warns the university

Staff who have tweeted critically about the United States or have an x as their sex on their passport may face serious problems when travelling to Donald Trump’s country, warns the university in a new travel advisory.

Just a few months ago, a visit to the United States was routine; now there are more risks to consider than, for example, China. People with an x as their sex on their passport are at significant risk of being turned away at the border. Therefore, the university advises them against travelling to the US at all.

Additionally, individuals suspected of criticising the US or Israel are being barred. When applying for a visa, the consulate may check your social media and online activities for a ‘hostile attitude’ towards American citizens, culture, or institutions, according to the advisory. The university urges staff to be aware of this.

Visit to Cuba

If you have recently visited a country unfriendly to the US, you may need a visa. This includes visits to Cuba since 2021, or North Korea, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, or Sudan since 2011. Individuals with dual citizenship may also require a visa.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are expected to be at increased risk, the university notes, following advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Several states have enacted local laws that can have negative consequences for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly regarding access to healthcare”, the ministry states. The travel advisory for the country is still green.

Empty laptop

The university also warns of checks on electronic devices. Staff can borrow empty laptops and phones to ensure that confidential information does not fall into the hands of border control agents.

Finally, the university advises the careful handling of the ESTA or visa application. ‘You risk arrest and imprisonment, and you could be deported’ if the applications are not filled out correctly.

On 20 May, the university will hold an information session in Sanders 0-02 for employees or students who need to travel to the United States soon. Additional information can be found on the university’s intranet.