by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 9:45 AM ET, Mon February 9, 2026
Countries primarily in Europe are adjusting their travel advisories for travelers to the United States ahead of global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Newsweek, France's travel advisory was changed in January following the protests in Minneapolis that led to two deaths of U.S. citizens and protesters by ICE officers.
The advisory urges French citizens to avoid the city center of Minneapolis, to avoid other types of gatherings, and to limit travel within the destination if necessary.
"Local authorities are urging residents to avoid the city centre," reads the advisory for Minneapolis. "It is advisable to stay informed and avoid all gatherings, limiting travel if necessary."
Germany followed suit in January, too, noting that demonstrations in Minneapolis and other cities could turn violent, involving migration and security officials. The German warning encouraged citizens to stay away from crowds and monitor local news, and that "the overall burden of violent crime is still higher [in the U.S.] than in major German cities," according to Travel + Leisure.
Ireland issued one in mid-January for Minneapolis, too, telling Irish citizens to "exercise caution" if traveling to the Twin Cities area.
Canada didn't issue a travel advisory about Minneapolis, but advised Canadians hoping to travel to the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup this year to carry proof of their match tickets and accommodations, "as border officers may request their verification." They also encouraged Canadians to comply with entry requirements and to travel by plane rather than by car or bus.
T+L also noted that, along with these new advisories potentially increasing worry among international visitors, a Florida coalition of civil rights groups is encouraging them to stay away, citing civil rights violations.
The coalition includes the ACLU of Florida and the Florida Immigration Coalition.
"When federal and local agents can detain anyone at anytime without cause and without identifying themselves, everyone is at risk," Tessa Petit, the executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, told Florida Today. "International visitors must ask themselves if a soccer match is worth the risk of being kidnapped and jailed... Such is the state of affairs in the United States and in Florida. We urge the international community to be aware of the risks before setting foot in Florida."
Despite the immigration crackdown, Trump's expanded travel ban, and additional restrictions on international visitors, including a proposed DNA and social media requirement for visa applicants, the Department of State is encouraging travelers to visit the U.S. for the FIFA World Cup, launching a dedicated website for the event.
"This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America," Trump said in a statement on the website. "And we can't wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe."
Preliminary airline booking data for this summer show that advance international air travel to the U.S. is trending downward from Europe, despite America250 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Since the entirety of 2025 saw declines in international tourism across the board in the United States, except for a few markets like Mexico, the nation is hoping that this year's major events will give the travel industry the boost it needs.
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