Germany and Allies Downgrade US Travel Advisory, Citing Unrest and

A new travel advisory from the German government highlights a significant shift in how key allies perceive stability and security within the United States. In an analysis from the House of El channel (@HouseofEl), the late January advisory is noted not for terrorism or natural disasters, but for "violent clashes with immigration authorities" in American cities like Minneapolis, as well as an "increased risk of politically motivated violence."

The advisory carries unusual diplomatic weight by explicitly stating that having a valid ESTA travel authorisation does not guarantee entry, and that U.S. border authorities hold final discretionary power with no recourse for foreign officials. This follows documented cases, including one cited from March 2025, of German citizens with proper documentation being detained. Germany is not alone; the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several Nordic countries have issued similar updated guidance, often citing unpredictable immigration enforcement and civil unrest.

The financial and reputational impact is becoming measurable. International tourism revenue to the U.S. is projected to decline sharply in 2025, a stark contrast to global post-pandemic recovery trends. Arrivals from traditional allied markets like Germany, the UK, and Canada are down significantly. Analysts interpret this not merely as a tourism downturn but as an erosion of American "soft power"—the cultural and diplomatic influence that comes from positive international engagement.

The cascade of warnings suggests allied governments are conducting formal risk assessments of U.S. institutions and finding them wanting. The situation raises broader questions about the long-term damage to America's global brand and its geopolitical standing among its closest partners, as discretionary travel from friendly nations declines.

Source: Germany DOWNGRADES USA to Dangerous Country - Allies Follow (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtTggq2I9WA)