For decades, the United States has drawn millions of Australian visitors with its famous cities, natural wonders and cultural experiences.
But recent developments – particularly involving the treatment of foreign nationals at U.S. borders – have prompted us to ask a serious question: is travel to the U.S. still worth the risk?
A growing number of reports suggest that travellers are being detained, interrogated, and in some cases, deported by U.S. border officials – not due to criminal behaviour or visa breaches, but for seemingly arbitrary or overly zealous reasons.
In one disturbing case, reported by The Sydney Morning Herald’s Traveller section, an Australian citizen was detained for eight hours at New York’s JFK Airport after arriving on a Cathay Pacific flight via Hong Kong.
His plan was to connect to Florida for a cruise holiday. Instead, he was interrogated by three separate teams, his phone and laptop were thoroughly examined and he was eventually deported back to Australia – despite no visa irregularities or allegations of wrongdoing.
His supposed “offence”? Taking a more circuitous flight path in order to save on airfare.
“Eight hours later, after three interview teams and extensive examination of my laptop and iPhone, the decision of US immigration was that I had come to the US on a very unusual route from Australia via Asia,” he told Traveller, noting that he flew premium economy to take advantage of a more affordable fare.
The traveller, who requested anonymity, says he’s now $15,000 out of pocket due to the cruise line refusing to refund his fare.
“I feel like returning to the U.S. under the current administration would be the equivalent of going back for your hat after escaping a devastating house fire. I have no wish to be burnt again.”
This incident is not isolated. As Traveller and other international publications have reported, citizens from the UK, Germany, France and other allied nations have also faced detentions – often for innocuous reasons such as text messages critical of former President Trump, social media content, or visa misunderstandings.
What makes the situation more concerning is the lack of transparency and recourse. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials have sweeping powers to search electronic devices and deny entry without providing a clear rationale.
According to data cited by Associated Press, international travel to the U.S. is expected to decline by more than 9% this year. Many travellers are opting for destinations they perceive as safer, more welcoming and less politically volatile.
Countries such as Canada, Japan and much of Europe are benefiting from this shift. Not only do these destinations offer world-class experiences, but they also provide peace of mind when it comes to entry procedures and border hospitality.
Australians are not being told not to travel to the United States – but they are being urged to think twice, to stay informed and to weigh whether the risk of encountering issues at the border is worth the trip.
If you do travel, consider the following:
- Minimise personal content on your devices or use a travel-specific device.
- Ensure complete visa compliance, even on short stays under the ESTA program.
- Be prepared for possible delays or questioning upon arrival, and have travel insurance that covers non-refundable bookings.
While the U.S. still holds great appeal for many Australians, recent incidents at the border are a stark reminder that the experience may not be as seamless as it once was.
With the political climate charged and border protocols tightened, it may be time for Australian travellers to reconsider whether now is the right time to visit.
As one Traveller reader put it, “I have no wish to be burnt again.”
