India, March 25 -- France has asked its citizens travelling to the United States to state their gender that was 'assigned at birth' while applying for a visa or 'Electronic System for Travel Authorisation' (ESTA) in a modified advisory.

While it is not a warning, like some other countries have issued for their nationals traveling to the US, the advisory issued by the French foreign ministry overnight on Monday to Tuesday has 'strongly recommended' the visitors check the website of the US Embassy in Paris 'for any changes or new measures adopted'.

"In particular, for new visa or ESTA applications, it is important to note that a section has been added that requires applicants to state their 'gender assigned at birth'," AFP quoted the fore...