It’s interesting to read what our government has to say about traveling abroad. In this case this seems to be more of a misalignment of forms.
In Germany, people can choose between 3 genders (M/F/X), while the ESTA form only allows M and F, and forces people to use their gender assigned at birth [2]:
Aufgrund einer Executive Order vom 20. Januar 2025 müssen Einreisende in die USA in Zukunft bei ESTA- oder Visumanträgen entweder das Geschlecht „männlich“ oder „weiblich“ angeben; relevant ist hierbei der Geschlechtseintrag der antragstellenden Person zum Zeitpunkt der Geburt.
Due to an executive order dated January 20, 2025, travellers visiting the USA must use the ‘male’ or ‘female’ gender when filling out ESTA visa forms; use the person’s gender assigned at birth. (my translation)
Also:
Gun and munitions purchases have increased significantly recently. [1]
The way I see it this applies to all ESTAs, not just new ones. But this is not explicitly mentioned. I guess some US gubernatorial site has more info in English.
Luckily so far we have found no info on any official site that it applies to ESTAs, this might just be the german government being overcautious, which isn’t bad but might currently be incorrect.
There is evidence it applies to VISAs but not ESTAs so far.
It’s interesting to read what our government has to say about traveling abroad. In this case this seems to be more of a misalignment of forms.
In Germany, people can choose between 3 genders (M/F/X), while the ESTA form only allows M and F, and forces people to use their gender assigned at birth [2]:
Due to an executive order dated January 20, 2025, travellers visiting the USA must use the ‘male’ or ‘female’ gender when filling out ESTA visa forms; use the person’s gender assigned at birth. (my translation)
Also:
[1] https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/laender/usa-node/usavereinigtestaatensicherheit-201382?isLocal=false&isPreview=false#content_0
[2] https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/service/laender/usa-node/usavereinigtestaatensicherheit-201382#content_3
Is there an English source for the stuff about ESTAs and does this apply retroactively or only new ESTAs?
Also, how would they know?
The way I see it this applies to all ESTAs, not just new ones. But this is not explicitly mentioned. I guess some US gubernatorial site has more info in English.
Luckily so far we have found no info on any official site that it applies to ESTAs, this might just be the german government being overcautious, which isn’t bad but might currently be incorrect.
There is evidence it applies to VISAs but not ESTAs so far.