European companies are increasingly concerned about business travel to the United States. A recent survey by the business travel network BT4Europe reveals growing concerns about entry denials, rejections, and discrimination at the US border. Travel managers are reporting increased difficulties among their employees when entering the country, leading to adjustments to their travel strategies at affected companies.
The survey, conducted in early April among member associations of the European Network of Business Travel Associations in various European countries, revealed a consistent picture of uncertainty. Short-term business trips to the United States are perceived as increasingly risky by both companies and travelers themselves. 88 percent of respondents see an increased risk of being turned away, detained, or deported upon entry to the United States.
According to the survey, people with dual nationality, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and travelers who have publicly expressed political views, for example, on social media, appear particularly at risk. BT4Europe warns of the consequences of this development, which is leading to a systematic reassessment of business travel planning to the US. In some countries, such as the Netherlands and Italy, entry to the US has already become a strategic issue for companies.
Many European companies have already implemented protective measures for their employees to minimize potential problems when entering the US. These measures include, for example, issuing accompanying letters that explain the purpose of the business trip in detail, extended travel insurance, and providing legal support. Furthermore, warnings are being integrated into booking systems and travel advisories for the US are being updated. In some cases, recommendations are already being made to reduce the number of business trips to the US or to explore alternative markets for business relations. BT4Europe emphasizes the potentially negative impact of this development on transatlantic economic relations and calls for the protection of free and safe business travel.