AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS — Popular Dutch travel vlogger Noraly Schoenmaker, known to fans as Itchy Boots, has canceled her upcoming U.S. book tour, citing concerns over tightened visa scrutiny for social media creators with recent travel content in sensitive regions.
“I never thought I would say this, but it doesn’t feel safe to travel to the US right now,” she wrote. “The risk of being detained and deported could mean a decade-long ban on entering the US.”
Schoenmaker, who has a valid 10-year U.S. visa, announced the cancellation on her social media channels, explaining that recent U.S. immigration policies are targeting online content that may be seen as conflicting with U.S. foreign policy. The author and solo motorcycle adventurer said her extensive travel documentation in the Middle East — including Yemen — could place her at risk of being detained or deported upon arrival.
“A little while back, I announced that I would be coming to the USA for the launch of my book ‘Free Ride’ on the 3rd of June,” she wrote in a Facebook post from Mukalla, Yemen. “But now, I am so disappointed to tell you that I won’t be able to come to the USA.”
According to Schoenmaker, travelers from Europe have reportedly been detained in recent months for visa-related concerns linked to their online presence. She said the potential consequences — including a 10-year ban from the U.S. and impacts on future visa applications elsewhere — were too severe to ignore.
Risks too high for U.S. tour
Schoenmaker said the logistical and financial investment in planning the tour made a last-minute cancellation due to border issues unacceptable. She expressed disappointment at not being able to meet her U.S. audience but encouraged them to still enjoy her book.
“Even though we can’t talk face to face — write me a message here once you’ve read it,” she posted. “I poured my heart into this book.”
Key Points
- Dutch YouTuber Noraly Schoenmaker canceled her U.S. book tour citing visa risks tied to her Middle East travel content.
- She fears detention or deportation due to U.S. immigration scrutiny of creators’ online activity.
- Schoenmaker holds a valid 10-year U.S. visa but says she no longer feels safe traveling to the U.S.
Schoenmaker’s tour for Free Ride will now proceed without in-person events in the United States due to evolving visa enforcement concerns.