Traveling to the US Despite Trump? Why Your New Year’s Trip to New York is Safe

Bags are mentally packed, and the dream of spending New Year’s Eve at Times Square is within reach. Yet, looking at the news, many European travelers are currently hesitating. Reports of stricter US entry procedures, deportations, and political tensions are causing uncertainty. Is a trip to the USA still worth it right now?

Let's do a factual reality check and answer the most pressing questions regarding current entry requirements and safety.

What are the current US entry requirements for tourists?

The short answer: For travelers from Western Europe (including the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia), the process remains virtually unchanged.

If you are traveling to the US for a holiday of up to 90 days, you will continue to use the established ESTA visa waiver program (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The application is completed online or via the official app and costs 21 USD. While there are ongoing administrative discussions about future, additional requests (such as social media data), the current process is identical to previous years. As long as your information is correct and you do not pose a security risk, ESTAs are usually approved automatically within a few hours. The US relies heavily on international tourism as a major economic driver.

Are families being separated under Donald Trump?

The topic of deportations and family separations frequently dominates European headlines. Here, a sober look at the facts behind the media buzz is helpful:

In US legal terms, "deportation" simply refers to the enforcement of immigration law regarding individuals without a valid visa or residence status. The US immigration authority, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), operates based on long-standing federal laws. Statistics show that this administrative machinery runs independently of whoever is in the White House: Under the Democratic administration of Barack Obama, more people were deported than during Trump’s first term. The Biden administration also saw record enforcement numbers at the southern border due to the migration crisis.

The primary difference lies in the loud, public rhetoric of the current administration, whereas previous administrations executed these processes quietly in the background. Important for you: As a tourist with a valid passport and an approved ESTA, you are legally and practically entirely unaffected by these domestic policy measures.

Is New York City safe for tourists?

Yes, New York City remains one of the safest major cities in the United States. This is largely due to the massive, highly visible presence of the NYPD (New York Police Department), which protects tourist hubs around the clock.

Furthermore, New York is a traditionally progressive, welcoming, and global metropolis. Local politics and daily life on the streets of Manhattan are completely decoupled from the political debates in Washington D.C. The city continues to welcome international visitors with its signature energy and hospitality.

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Your Dream of New Year’s Eve in New York

Do not let sensationalized headlines take away your dream trip. Daily life in New York for a tourist is no different today than it was a few years ago. The Broadway lights are shining, the museums are open, and the city is gearing up for the most spectacular New Year’s celebration in the world.

Tip: To find out how to spend the perfect New Year’s Eve in the metropolis, what alternatives exist to the crowded Times Square, and what you need to consider for your trip planning, check out our comprehensive Guide for New Year's Eve in New York