Major Travel Restrictions Update for 2025-2026
Travel restrictions have intensified globally as the United States expands its travel ban to 39 countries, effective January 1, 2026. The December 16, 2025 Presidential Proclamation doubles previous restrictions, affecting millions of travelers seeking visas for work, study, and tourism.
These sweeping changes arrive alongside Europe's new biometric Entry/Exit System and the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization requirements. Travelers planning international trips must understand these new regulations before booking.
U.S. Travel Ban: Complete List of Affected Countries
The expanded travel ban creates two categories of restrictions impacting nationals from 39 countries and the Palestinian Authority.
- Full Travel Ban (19 countries): Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen
- Palestinian Authority: Individuals using PA-issued or endorsed travel documents face full restrictions
- Partial Restrictions (20 countries): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Suspended Visa Types: F, M, J, B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas blocked for affected countries
The proclamation specifically targets tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas. However, diplomatic personnel and certain athletes may qualify for exemptions based on national interest determinations.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
Understanding whether you fall under these new restrictions depends on your current visa status and travel timing.
For Current Visa Holders
If you hold a valid U.S. visa issued before January 1, 2026, you are not affected by the new proclamation. No previously issued visas will be revoked under this policy. Your existing visa remains valid for its original duration.
For New Visa Applicants
Nationals from affected countries seeking new visas after January 1, 2026 face suspension or partial restrictions. Applicants should expect extended processing times due to enhanced screening requirements, including social media history reviews spanning up to five years.
For International Students and Scholars
The suspension of F and J visas particularly impacts international education. Higher education officials report that both full and partial restrictions block the primary visa categories used by international students. Those currently studying in the U.S. should consult their international student office before traveling abroad.
For Tech Industry Workers
Companies including Apple and Google have warned U.S.-based employees on visas against international travel. The enhanced vetting procedures for H-1B and H-4 applicants, implemented December 15, 2025, create uncertainty for returning workers.
How to Prepare for New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these steps to minimize disruption to your travel plans:
- Check your visa status immediately: Verify your current visa validity through the Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center
- Complete travel before January 1, 2026: If you need to enter the U.S. and have a pending application, prioritize completing your travel before the effective date
- Prepare required documentation: Gather passport photos meeting current specifications, employment letters, and financial documentation well in advance
- Review social media accounts: Clear or document any content that might delay processing, as consulates now screen five years of online history
- Consult an immigration attorney: If you're from an affected country, professional guidance can help identify possible exemptions or alternative visa categories
Europe's New Entry Requirements for 2025-2026
The European Union launched its Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026.
- Biometric Registration: All non-EU nationals must provide fingerprints and facial images upon arrival at Schengen borders
- Passport Stamps Eliminated: Electronic records replace traditional entry/exit stamps
- 90-Day Rule Enforcement: System automatically tracks stays to enforce the 90-day maximum within 180-day periods
- No Pre-Registration Required: Registration occurs at the border with no advance action or fees needed
- ETIAS Delayed: The European Travel Information and Authorisation System launches in late 2026, six months after EES completion
U.S. citizens currently do not need an Electronic Travel Authorization for Europe. However, once ETIAS activates, travelers from visa-exempt countries will pay €20 for a three-year authorization.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization Now Required
The United Kingdom's ETA system is now live for visitors from 85 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- Cost: £16 per application
- Validity: Two years or until passport expiration
- Stay Duration: Up to six months per visit for tourism, business, or short-term study
- Enforcement Date: Strict enforcement begins February 25, 2026
Travelers should apply for their UK ETA before departure to avoid entry complications. Ensure your passport photo meets UK digital photo requirements for a smooth application process.
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for international travel planning:
- December 15, 2025: Enhanced social media screening begins for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants
- January 1, 2026 (12:01 AM EST): Expanded U.S. travel ban takes effect for 39 countries
- February 25, 2026: UK ETA enforcement begins for all visa-exempt travelers
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System expected to be fully operational
- Late 2026: ETIAS launches requiring €20 authorization for Schengen travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my existing U.S. visa be revoked under the new travel ban?
No. If you hold a valid visa issued before January 1, 2026, it remains valid. The proclamation only applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States AND do not hold a valid visa on the effective date.
Can I still travel to Europe without a visa in 2025?
Yes, U.S. citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. You must now provide biometric data at the border under the new EES system, but no pre-registration or fee is required until ETIAS launches in late 2026.
What passport photo requirements apply for the new visa applications?
Each country maintains specific passport photo specifications. For U.S. visa applications, photos must be 2x2 inches with a white background. UK ETA applications accept digital photos meeting their online requirements. Always verify current specifications before your visa application to avoid delays.
Are there any exemptions to the expanded U.S. travel ban?
Yes. Lawful permanent residents, diplomats, certain athletes, and individuals whose entry is determined to serve the national interest may qualify for exemptions. However, previous categorical exceptions for immediate family members and asylum seekers are no longer available.
What You Need to Know
The January 2026 travel restrictions represent the most significant U.S. visa policy change in years, affecting nationals from 39 countries. Travelers with valid visas remain protected, but new applicants from affected nations face substantial barriers to entry.
Before any international trip, verify your visa status and ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for your destination country. For those planning visa applications, completing the process before implementation dates can avoid complications. Check VisaPics for compliant passport and visa photos that meet the specifications of over 170 countries.