Australians cancel US trips over border crackdown concerns
Australians are cancelling trips to the US as a border crackdown frightens international visitors.
Combined with a weak Australian Dollar, some travellers have stated online they are rescheduling or cancelling.
The concern comes after two Germans – who hadn't booked any accommodation – were strip searched and detained at Honolulu Airport, held in custody overnight and then sent packing back to Europe.
'Are there any other Aussies that are thinking about cancelling their trip to the US?' TikTok user Remi Meli posted online this week.
Ms Meli says she plans to see New York in December, but reports of travellers being detained had made her think twice.
Executive orders from Donald Trump are forcing border officials to implement 'enhanced vetting and screening for all foreign nationals intending to enter, or already present in, the United States'.
Various Australian academics have spoken up about cancelling trips to conferences for fear of being detained or refused entry.
Australian immigration lawyers have issued public statements advising travellers to print out bank statements and have detailed itineraries on hand.
Disposable burner phones are also advisable, so personal devices are not thoroughly invaded.
A string of notable border incidents have unfolded since Trump's executive order.
A Lebanese doctor with a US visa and a job at a Rhode Island hospital was denied entry.
Europeans are telling media agencies they have been stopped at US borders and held at detention facilities for weeks, despite holding tourist or work visas.
'I know it's very unlikely … still enough time for me to cancel my trip and reschedule or go somewhere else entirely. So is that the consensus, is that what people are doing?' Ms Mali said in her post.
Multiple commenters on Ms Mali's post – which has garnered 3800 comments – said they had rebooked, but many others said they had no dramas at the border.
'I was supposed to go to America in March and cancelled. Going to Europe in October instead now. I had a lot of friends in America saying it wasn't safe because I'm trans,' one person said.
'I cancelled my trip that was in 2 weeks time. All of my friends over there have advised to stay away. It's just not worth the risk,' said another.
'I cancelled. Friends that live over there and work in the airports are saying it's getting bad. They will stop you and search laptops and phones,' said another.
Plenty of people are saying they had no issues upon arriving in the US, and concern about the situation was scaremongering.
'Don't cancel. I was scared of the same issue we got through fine. Answer their questions honestly, know where you're going/staying, how long you are staying for etc. Best experience. I want to go back!,' one woman said.
'I'm an Australian and I just travelled to NY and LA a few weeks ago and was fine,' said another.
Figures released by the US government earlier this month show overseas visitor numbers to the US fell more than 11 per cent in March compared to the year before, and were down 3 per cent for the first three months of the year.
The official Australian government travel advice notes approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation documents and visas do not guarantee entry.
'An approved ESTA or valid visa doesn't guarantee entry to the United States. US Customs and Border Protection officials at the port of entry will determine your eligibility,' the advice says.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Germany holding first tribute for military personnel
Active and former soldiers of Germany's armed forces will for the first time be honoured for their service with a full-fledged National Veterans Day. The central event will take place in Berlin on Sunday, around the Reichstag parliament building under the patronage of its president Julia Klöckner, as lawmakers decided a year ago. The day will be celebrated in many cities and Bundeswehr bases throughout Germany. Henceforth, June 15 will be celebrated annually on the nearest weekend. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, more attention has been paid to the military in Germany, setting aside some of the stigma associated with the country's involvement in the two World Wars. There is also fresh perspective on Germany's participation in NATO and UN missions for the past 25 years, including in Afghanistan, where 59 members of the Bundeswehr lost their lives between 2001 and 2021. Around 10 million Germans have done military service or were professional or regular soldiers. Around 500,000 men and women were deployed in Afghanistan, Mali or Bosnia-Herzegovina among other places. "Our veterans have earned the support, recognition and respect of us all," said Klöckner ahead of the occasion.
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
PM confirms Trump meeting as Americans take to streets
The prime minister has confirmed he will meet Donald Trump face-to-face as millions of Americans take to the streets to protest against the US president. Anthony Albanese is preparing for one of the most important diplomatic discussions of his career when he holds talks with Mr Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on Tuesday, local time. The prime minister will be trying to negotiate an exemption from controversial US tariffs. But he faces an uphill battle to cut through with his message as Mr Trump stares down domestic unrest and renewed conflict in the Middle East. Mr Albanese was unperturbed as he confirmed the much-anticipated meeting to reporters in Seattle on Saturday, local time. "Obviously, there are issues that the US president is dealing with at the moment, but I expect that we will be able to have a constructive engagement," he said. "We'll have a discussion as two friends should." Mr Albanese said he would raise tariffs and emphasise the importance of the AUKUS security pact, under which Australia is due to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US. Both men have already spoken on three occasions but Tuesday's arrangement is the first time they will meet in person. Australia is facing 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like all US trading partners except the UK - 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America. Supplies of critical minerals and access to the Australian market for US beef could be used as bargaining chips during the talks. Mr Albanese did not want to make "grand declarations" prior to the meeting, but he reiterated he would put forward Australia's interests. "It is also in the interests of the United States for Australia to be treated appropriately," he said. Tensions between two countries have ebbed and flowed in recent days after Australia, alongside several other countries, was criticised by the US for sanctioning two Israeli government ministers. Australia has also pushed back against US calls to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, while Washington has launched a review into the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with Mr Trump's "America first" agenda. The prime minister arrived in Seattle after holding bilateral talks in Fiji and he is expected to leave for the G7 on Sunday. He used an event involving US business and technology leaders to sing the praises of "free and fair trade" ahead of the tariff talks, hailing a $20 billion commitment from Amazon to expand its Australia data centre operations. Mr Albanese is also expected to hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders during the summit. He landed in America on the same day a controversial military parade commemorating the US army's 250th birthday took place on the other side of the country, in Washington DC. The event coincided with Mr Trump's 79th birthday and represents the first such military parade in more than three decades. Millions of Americans across the nation gathered to protest the US president as part of "No Kings" rallies held in major cities, while hordes also attended the parade in support of armed forces. Protest organisers accused Mr Trump of staging a "made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday" with the military parade, which falls on Flag Day - the date when the US flag was adopted by congress. Tens of thousands marched to Seattle's towering Space Needle as they chanted, "no Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA". For Stephany Simonelli, who donned a fake crown with a cross and a sash that read "no kings", it was her first time taking part in a march or rally. "This just felt absolutely imperative for democracy," she told AAP. "I'm really afraid for our country. We, in America, really need to step up and take a stand." The prime minister has confirmed he will meet Donald Trump face-to-face as millions of Americans take to the streets to protest against the US president. Anthony Albanese is preparing for one of the most important diplomatic discussions of his career when he holds talks with Mr Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on Tuesday, local time. The prime minister will be trying to negotiate an exemption from controversial US tariffs. But he faces an uphill battle to cut through with his message as Mr Trump stares down domestic unrest and renewed conflict in the Middle East. Mr Albanese was unperturbed as he confirmed the much-anticipated meeting to reporters in Seattle on Saturday, local time. "Obviously, there are issues that the US president is dealing with at the moment, but I expect that we will be able to have a constructive engagement," he said. "We'll have a discussion as two friends should." Mr Albanese said he would raise tariffs and emphasise the importance of the AUKUS security pact, under which Australia is due to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US. Both men have already spoken on three occasions but Tuesday's arrangement is the first time they will meet in person. Australia is facing 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like all US trading partners except the UK - 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America. Supplies of critical minerals and access to the Australian market for US beef could be used as bargaining chips during the talks. Mr Albanese did not want to make "grand declarations" prior to the meeting, but he reiterated he would put forward Australia's interests. "It is also in the interests of the United States for Australia to be treated appropriately," he said. Tensions between two countries have ebbed and flowed in recent days after Australia, alongside several other countries, was criticised by the US for sanctioning two Israeli government ministers. Australia has also pushed back against US calls to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, while Washington has launched a review into the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with Mr Trump's "America first" agenda. The prime minister arrived in Seattle after holding bilateral talks in Fiji and he is expected to leave for the G7 on Sunday. He used an event involving US business and technology leaders to sing the praises of "free and fair trade" ahead of the tariff talks, hailing a $20 billion commitment from Amazon to expand its Australia data centre operations. Mr Albanese is also expected to hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders during the summit. He landed in America on the same day a controversial military parade commemorating the US army's 250th birthday took place on the other side of the country, in Washington DC. The event coincided with Mr Trump's 79th birthday and represents the first such military parade in more than three decades. Millions of Americans across the nation gathered to protest the US president as part of "No Kings" rallies held in major cities, while hordes also attended the parade in support of armed forces. Protest organisers accused Mr Trump of staging a "made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday" with the military parade, which falls on Flag Day - the date when the US flag was adopted by congress. Tens of thousands marched to Seattle's towering Space Needle as they chanted, "no Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA". For Stephany Simonelli, who donned a fake crown with a cross and a sash that read "no kings", it was her first time taking part in a march or rally. "This just felt absolutely imperative for democracy," she told AAP. "I'm really afraid for our country. We, in America, really need to step up and take a stand." The prime minister has confirmed he will meet Donald Trump face-to-face as millions of Americans take to the streets to protest against the US president. Anthony Albanese is preparing for one of the most important diplomatic discussions of his career when he holds talks with Mr Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on Tuesday, local time. The prime minister will be trying to negotiate an exemption from controversial US tariffs. But he faces an uphill battle to cut through with his message as Mr Trump stares down domestic unrest and renewed conflict in the Middle East. Mr Albanese was unperturbed as he confirmed the much-anticipated meeting to reporters in Seattle on Saturday, local time. "Obviously, there are issues that the US president is dealing with at the moment, but I expect that we will be able to have a constructive engagement," he said. "We'll have a discussion as two friends should." Mr Albanese said he would raise tariffs and emphasise the importance of the AUKUS security pact, under which Australia is due to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US. Both men have already spoken on three occasions but Tuesday's arrangement is the first time they will meet in person. Australia is facing 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like all US trading partners except the UK - 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America. Supplies of critical minerals and access to the Australian market for US beef could be used as bargaining chips during the talks. Mr Albanese did not want to make "grand declarations" prior to the meeting, but he reiterated he would put forward Australia's interests. "It is also in the interests of the United States for Australia to be treated appropriately," he said. Tensions between two countries have ebbed and flowed in recent days after Australia, alongside several other countries, was criticised by the US for sanctioning two Israeli government ministers. Australia has also pushed back against US calls to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, while Washington has launched a review into the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with Mr Trump's "America first" agenda. The prime minister arrived in Seattle after holding bilateral talks in Fiji and he is expected to leave for the G7 on Sunday. He used an event involving US business and technology leaders to sing the praises of "free and fair trade" ahead of the tariff talks, hailing a $20 billion commitment from Amazon to expand its Australia data centre operations. Mr Albanese is also expected to hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders during the summit. He landed in America on the same day a controversial military parade commemorating the US army's 250th birthday took place on the other side of the country, in Washington DC. The event coincided with Mr Trump's 79th birthday and represents the first such military parade in more than three decades. Millions of Americans across the nation gathered to protest the US president as part of "No Kings" rallies held in major cities, while hordes also attended the parade in support of armed forces. Protest organisers accused Mr Trump of staging a "made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday" with the military parade, which falls on Flag Day - the date when the US flag was adopted by congress. Tens of thousands marched to Seattle's towering Space Needle as they chanted, "no Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA". For Stephany Simonelli, who donned a fake crown with a cross and a sash that read "no kings", it was her first time taking part in a march or rally. "This just felt absolutely imperative for democracy," she told AAP. "I'm really afraid for our country. We, in America, really need to step up and take a stand." The prime minister has confirmed he will meet Donald Trump face-to-face as millions of Americans take to the streets to protest against the US president. Anthony Albanese is preparing for one of the most important diplomatic discussions of his career when he holds talks with Mr Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada on Tuesday, local time. The prime minister will be trying to negotiate an exemption from controversial US tariffs. But he faces an uphill battle to cut through with his message as Mr Trump stares down domestic unrest and renewed conflict in the Middle East. Mr Albanese was unperturbed as he confirmed the much-anticipated meeting to reporters in Seattle on Saturday, local time. "Obviously, there are issues that the US president is dealing with at the moment, but I expect that we will be able to have a constructive engagement," he said. "We'll have a discussion as two friends should." Mr Albanese said he would raise tariffs and emphasise the importance of the AUKUS security pact, under which Australia is due to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US. Both men have already spoken on three occasions but Tuesday's arrangement is the first time they will meet in person. Australia is facing 10 per cent tariffs on goods exported to the US and - like all US trading partners except the UK - 50 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel sent to America. Supplies of critical minerals and access to the Australian market for US beef could be used as bargaining chips during the talks. Mr Albanese did not want to make "grand declarations" prior to the meeting, but he reiterated he would put forward Australia's interests. "It is also in the interests of the United States for Australia to be treated appropriately," he said. Tensions between two countries have ebbed and flowed in recent days after Australia, alongside several other countries, was criticised by the US for sanctioning two Israeli government ministers. Australia has also pushed back against US calls to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, while Washington has launched a review into the AUKUS agreement to ensure it aligns with Mr Trump's "America first" agenda. The prime minister arrived in Seattle after holding bilateral talks in Fiji and he is expected to leave for the G7 on Sunday. He used an event involving US business and technology leaders to sing the praises of "free and fair trade" ahead of the tariff talks, hailing a $20 billion commitment from Amazon to expand its Australia data centre operations. Mr Albanese is also expected to hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders during the summit. He landed in America on the same day a controversial military parade commemorating the US army's 250th birthday took place on the other side of the country, in Washington DC. The event coincided with Mr Trump's 79th birthday and represents the first such military parade in more than three decades. Millions of Americans across the nation gathered to protest the US president as part of "No Kings" rallies held in major cities, while hordes also attended the parade in support of armed forces. Protest organisers accused Mr Trump of staging a "made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday" with the military parade, which falls on Flag Day - the date when the US flag was adopted by congress. Tens of thousands marched to Seattle's towering Space Needle as they chanted, "no Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA". For Stephany Simonelli, who donned a fake crown with a cross and a sash that read "no kings", it was her first time taking part in a march or rally. "This just felt absolutely imperative for democracy," she told AAP. "I'm really afraid for our country. We, in America, really need to step up and take a stand."
West Australian
2 hours ago
- West Australian
Israel and Iran crisis: Wong backs right to self-defence but urges restraint as fears of all-out war grow
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has backed Israel's right to self-defence but avoided questions on the legality of its strikes, urging restraint as fears of all-out war in the region deepens. Israel's two-day barrage targeted Iranian military sites, nuclear scientists and key infrastructure, in what it labelled a 'preemptive assault' on Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities. Iran has responded with missile strikes that have killed at least four people in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the strikes had significantly set back Iran's nuclear program and has warned of further retaliation. Pressed on whether Israel's actions were legally justified under international law on ABC Insiders, Senator Wong reiterated Israel's right to self-defence but said the more pressing issue was how to contain the conflict. 'Israel has a right to self-defence. It does have a right to self-defence. The question here is not a legal proposition, the question here is 'what do we do now?' we know Iran is a threat,' she said. 'We know that its nuclear program poses a threat to international peace and obviously to Israel.' 'It's a perilous time for many in the Middle East. It is a risky time.' The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a 'Do Not Travel' warning for both Israel and Iran, with Senator Wong saying conditions were 'very perilous' and that airspace above the countries had been closed. The advice to Australians in affected areas was to shelter in place and heed all local directives. Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that Australian officials were continuing efforts to assist citizens in the region. He said Australia was not involved in the conflict and did not expect to be drawn in militarily. 'Australian officials are doing what they can to ensure that the interests of Australians are protected, but it's obviously a very volatile situation that they are dealing with,' the Prime Minister said. 'At the moment, of course, there's an issue with people getting out of the region. 'Australia does not play a role in this military conflict. 'I wouldn't expect that there would be a request for Australia to play a military role, but we will continue to play a role in terms of looking after Australian citizens.' The PM said the conflict would likely be discussed during his meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming G7 summit in Canada. Mr Albanese said he would also meet in the coming days with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other world leaders. 'I'm sure that the events, obviously, that are occurring in the Middle East will be a topic of conversation,' Mr Albanese said.
