Traveling Abroad for Gender-Affirming Surgery as a Trans American in 2025: What You Need to Know
“I’m a transgender person from the USA traveling abroad for gender-affirming surgery. Will the Trump Administration’s policies create problems for me?”
This is a real and valid concern. With the shifting political climate in the United States, many trans-Americans are wondering if traveling internationally for gender-affirming care is still safe, practical, or even possible. At Facialteam, we understand these anxieties—and we’re here to offer clarity, grounded in facts and real patient experiences from 2025.
The Current Political Climate: What’s Changed in 2025?
Since the return of Donald Trump to the White House, several executive orders and proposed policies have stirred uncertainty for LGBTQ+ Americans, especially trans and gender-diverse people.
One of the most concerning developments is Executive Order 14168, which redefines “sex” in all federal policy as the biological sex assigned at birth. As a result, federal agencies like the U.S. Department of State have ceased allowing changes to gender markers on passports or the use of the nonbinary “X” designation. Passports already updated remain valid, but renewals now require disclosure of sex assigned at birth.
Legal challenges are already underway. For instance, the ACLU has filed lawsuits arguing that these policies violate constitutional protections and cause real harm to trans and nonbinary individuals.
👉 Read more on ACLU’s response
👉 More about Executive Order 14168 on Wikipedia
While this legal fight unfolds, the changes raise fair concerns about travel and documentation—especially when traveling internationally for gender-affirming care.
Why Gender-Affirming Surgery Sometimes Can’t Wait
For many trans and gender-diverse people, these procedures aren’t just aesthetic – they are gender-affirming surgeries, and therefore, life-saving. Procedures like facial feminization surgery (FFS) help reduce gender dysphoria, improve mental health, and support social integration. Leading organizations like WPATH advocate for timely access to gender-affirming care as a human right.
Unfortunately, barriers in the U.S.—whether due to long wait times, high costs, or regional restrictions—often lead people to seek qualified care abroad. The urgency doesn’t stop because of a passport policy or shifting laws. In fact, those challenges can make surgery feel even more essential.
Real Stories from U.S. Patients in 2025
Despite new obstacles, several trans-Americans successfully traveled to Spain in 2025 for their surgery with Facialteam—and returned home without issue. Here’s what they told us:
“I have a gender-updated passport and was worried that I would have trouble—especially getting back into the country. I reentered the USA through NYC and passed through immigration and security check normally.”
“My partner and I went to Marbella in January and I was a bit nervous as we didn’t know what to expect regarding reentering the USA after surgery. However, I’ve been planning FFS for years and it was just one more challenge among the many I’ve had to overcome to have it done. Everything went just fine and normally. I am happy I went ahead and can now see myself in the mirror—definitely worth it.”
These stories are not isolated. We have seen that, with proper documentation and preparation, our U.S. patients have been able to navigate international travel safely—even in this tense political environment.
What You Can Do to Travel Safely
Here are some tips to help protect yourself and prepare:
- Check your passport status now. If it has a gender marker that aligns with your presentation, renew it before future changes can take effect.
- Carry supporting documentation—especially for name or gender marker changes.
- Print out medical travel confirmation letters, if applicable.
- Know your rights at the border. You are not required to disclose medical procedures or personal identity information unless it relates to customs or immigration questions.
- Stay informed through organizations like the ACLU, NCTE, or Transgender Law Center.
Conclusion: There Is Uncertainty, But Also Hope
We won’t sugarcoat it—the political climate for trans people in the U.S. is concerning. But that doesn’t mean your medical journey has to stop. The truth is, our American patients this year have faced those same worries—and still came, had surgery, and returned home with no issues.
So if you’re considering traveling abroad for gender-affirming surgery, know this: you are not alone, you are not the first, and with the right information and support, you can take this step forward with confidence.
Facialteam is here to help—every step of the way.
🗨️ Are you a U.S. patient who had surgery with us in 2025? We’d love to anonymously share your experience to help others. Send us a voice note, written message, or short video at [email protected]
