Major Travel Restrictions Take Effect Worldwide in 2025
Significant travel restrictions updates rolled out across major destinations in 2025, fundamentally changing international travel requirements. The United States implemented a comprehensive travel ban on 19 countries effective June 9, 2025, while Europe launched its biometric Entry/Exit System on October 12, 2025. These changes affect millions of travelers and require immediate attention for anyone planning international trips.
Understanding these new travel restrictions is crucial for avoiding denied boarding, entry refusals, and costly travel disruptions. Each system has specific requirements, exemptions, and implementation timelines that travelers must navigate carefully.
U.S. Travel Ban: 19 Countries Now Face Entry Restrictions
On June 4, 2025, the U.S. government announced sweeping travel restrictions that took effect on June 9, 2025 at 12:01am EDT. The ban affects nationals from 19 countries based on national security concerns, high visa overstay rates, and inadequate identity verification systems.
- Full Travel Ban (12 countries): Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen face complete suspension of immigrant and non-immigrant visas
- Partial Restrictions (7 countries): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela have citizens prohibited from entering under specific visa categories including F (student) and J (exchange visitor) visas
- Myanmar's High Overstay Rate: Myanmar was added due to a 27.07% tourist and business visa overstay rate, and 42.17% overstay rate for student and exchange visitor visas
- Potential Expansion: Up to 36 additional countries, mostly in Africa, may be added unless they improve on specific benchmarks set by U.S. authorities
The travel ban is based on citizenship, not country of birth or residence. Individuals must ensure their passport photo meets current requirements and visa documentation is properly prepared before attempting travel.
Who Is Affected By These Travel Restrictions
The 2025 travel restrictions impact different groups of international travelers in specific ways. Understanding your status is essential for planning travel and visa applications.
For Nationals of Banned Countries
Citizens of the 19 affected countries cannot obtain new U.S. visas or enter the country unless they qualify for exemptions. However, those who held valid visas as of June 9, 2025 are not subject to the proclamation and can continue using their existing visas. Dual nationals can travel using a passport from a non-designated country.
For Current Visa Holders and Students
Students and other visa holders who received their visas before June 9, 2025 should not have their visas revoked and can continue their studies or programs. Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) are completely exempt from the travel ban. Current students should avoid international travel without consulting immigration advisors to prevent re-entry complications.
For European Travelers to the UK
EU citizens traveling to the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting April 2, 2025. The ETA costs £16 (price increased from £10 on April 9, 2025) and permits multiple journeys over two years. Applications typically receive automatic decisions within minutes through the UK ETA app.
Europe's Biometric Entry/Exit System - Step by Step Guide
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) launched October 12, 2025, replacing passport stamps with biometric registration across 29 European countries. Here's how to navigate the new system:
- Arrive at Border Control: Approach automated kiosks or border control booths at your first entry point into the Schengen Area
- Provide Facial Image: Have your face photographed using the biometric capture equipment - ensure your passport photo specifications are current for comparison
- Submit Fingerprints: Place your fingers on the scanning device for fingerprint capture (children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint requirements)
- Register Personal Information: System records your name, passport details, and date and place of entry automatically
- Biometric Data Storage: Your information is stored for three years following any entry to the Schengen area, eliminating the need to re-register on subsequent visits during this period
Important Dates and Timeline for 2025 Travel Changes
Mark these critical dates for compliance with new travel restrictions and entry requirements:
- June 9, 2025 (12:01am EDT): U.S. travel ban takes effect for 19 countries - valid visas issued before this date remain usable
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) officially launches with gradual rollout across border crossings
- April 2, 2025: UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) becomes mandatory for EU citizens (non-EU travelers required from January 8, 2025)
- April 9, 2025: UK ETA price increases from £10 to £16 for new applications
- April 10, 2026: Target date for full implementation of EU EES system across all 29 European countries and border crossing points
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Restrictions
Can I Still Travel If I Have Dual Citizenship?
Yes, dual nationals can avoid the U.S. travel ban by traveling on a passport issued by a non-designated country. The ban is based on the passport you use for travel, not your country of birth or other citizenships you hold. Ensure your passport photo and visa application materials reflect the passport you'll use for entry.
What Happens During My First Entry to Europe Under EES?
On your first entry after October 12, 2025, you'll register biometric data including facial image and fingerprints at automated kiosks or border booths. The process takes approximately 3-5 minutes and your data remains valid for three years. Subsequent entries during this period only require quick verification without re-registering.
Do I Need Both UK ETA and Europe Entry Permission?
Yes, these are separate systems for different destinations. The UK ETA is required for entry to the United Kingdom and costs £16 for two years of validity. The EU Entry/Exit System applies to 29 European Schengen Area countries and has no cost but requires biometric registration. Plan accordingly when visiting both regions.
What You Need to Know Before Your Next International Trip
The 2025 travel restrictions represent the most significant changes to international travel protocols in recent years. U.S. travelers and foreign nationals must verify their eligibility, visa status, and documentation requirements well in advance of planned trips. Processing times for exemption requests and visa applications have increased substantially due to heightened scrutiny.
Before booking international travel, check your passport expiration date and ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for your destination. If you're applying for visas to countries with new biometric systems, allow extra processing time and consider professional services like VisaPics to ensure your visa application photos meet exact government specifications. Stay informed about potential additions to restricted country lists and changing entry requirements throughout 2025.