With several European countries issuing travel advisories for the US, and President Donald Trump’s ‘travel ban’ for certain nations expected to be announced in the coming days, agents are voicing concerns over whether their clients could risk being turned away on entry to the US.
On the Facebook group, OpenJaw, several agents mentioned that they had been contacted by clients seeking advice on their upcoming US trips. However, in a poll on the same group, the majority of agents (85%) said no clients had experienced issues upon entry.
Looking at what lies ahead for South Africans visiting the US, specifically for corporate travel, GM of FCM, Mummy Mafojane, believes preparation will be key.
“The US remains a crucial market for business travellers, and organisations are focusing on preparedness rather than concern. The key is ensuring that travellers have access to accurate, up-to-date information and understand any potential implications,” she said.
“Unlike leisure travellers, corporate travellers typically show less hesitation because every trip undergoes a pre-risk assessment, with real-time updates communicated as conditions evolve.”
Potential travel ban
The US administration is considering introducing travel restrictions for 43 countries with a three-category system. The red category is for countries that could be completely barred from entering the US and includes Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia and Sudan, amongst others.
The orange list could see tourist visas from the listed countries restricted. According to the New York Times, citizens from the countries on the orange list could be subjected to mandatory in-person interviews in order to receive a visa. The orange list includes Eritrea, Sierra Leone and South Sudan.
Countries on the yellow list will be given 60 days to address perceived deficiencies identified by the US, including failing to share information about incoming travellers, inadequate security practices for issuing passports, or the selling of citizenship to people from banned countries, which could serve as a loophole around the restrictions. Allegedly, if these countries do not address these issues, they will be moved on to one of the other lists. Several SADC countries are mentioned on the proposed list – specifically Republic of Congo, DRC, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Travel advisories
The UK, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Finland and Canada have updated their travel advisories for the US, advising citizens to comply with US entry requirements. The UK warned that non-compliance might lead to "arrest or detention", while Canada mentioned the risk of penalties, fines and misdemeanour prosecution. Germany stated that an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or visa did not guarantee the right to enter the country.
Finland, Ireland, The Netherlands and Denmark have also updated their travel advisories warning transgender travellers, with gender-neutral markers on their travel and identification documents, to contact the American Embassy first to seek clarification.
Knowledge is power
Despite the increasing concern from travellers and several countries, Mafojane says travel advisories are issued regularly by governments as precautionary measures, but they do not necessarily indicate immediate risk.
“It remains essential for businesses and travellers to stay informed about visa policies and entry requirements,” says Mafojane.
“Managing geopolitical risks is an ongoing part of international business travel. As long as organisations remain vigilant with proper risk management strategies in place, corporate travel will continue with minimal disruption.”
