Major Travel Restrictions Now in Effect Across Multiple Countries
The United States has implemented comprehensive travel restrictions affecting citizens from 19 countries as of November 2025, marking one of the most significant policy changes in recent years. The restrictions, which became effective on June 9, 2025 at 12:01 AM EDT, include both full travel bans and partial visa limitations that impact thousands of international travelers daily.
These travel restrictions updates come alongside additional challenges including ongoing flight disruptions due to the government shutdown and new visa application requirements that require travelers to apply in their country of residence or nationality. Understanding these changes is critical for anyone planning international travel in the coming months.
Key Changes to US Travel Restrictions in November 2025
The new policy establishes two tiers of restrictions based on security concerns, document fraud risks, and visa overstay rates. Here's what travelers need to know:
- Full Travel Ban (12 Countries): Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen face complete entry prohibitions with limited exemptions
- Partial Restrictions (7 Countries): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela citizens cannot enter under F (student) and J (exchange visitor) visa categories
- Visa Validity Reductions: Many nonimmigrant visas issued after July 2025 now limited to 3 months validity with single entry only
- New Application Rules: As of September 6, 2025, visa applicants must file in their country of residence or nationality—third-country applications no longer accepted
- Health-Based Screening: November 2025 introduces mandatory health screening criteria for all visa applications, adding complexity to the process
Additionally, several African nations including Egypt, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Chad, and Congo are experiencing major visa processing delays due to heightened security concerns. Travelers from these countries should expect significantly longer wait times for visa appointments and approvals.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions Updates
The scope of these restrictions extends beyond the 19 directly affected countries. Here's how different groups are impacted:
For Citizens of Banned Countries
Green card holders are exempt from travel restrictions and can continue traveling freely. However, citizens without valid visas issued before June 9, 2025 cannot enter the US unless they qualify for specific exemptions such as diplomatic status, refugee/asylee status, or participation in the 2026 World Cup or 2028 Olympics.
For International Students and Scholars
Students from the seven partially restricted countries can no longer obtain F or J visas, effectively blocking new educational exchanges. Current students already in the US can remain, but re-entry after international travel may be prohibited. Universities have reported significant enrollment impacts from these policy changes.
For Dual Citizens and Family Members
Dual nationals can bypass restrictions by traveling on passports from non-designated countries. Family members of US citizens or green card holders may qualify for waivers through case-by-case national interest determinations, though approval rates remain unclear.
How to Navigate New Visa Application Requirements - Step by Step
If you need to apply for a US visa under the new rules, follow these essential steps:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Check if your country is subject to full ban, partial restrictions, or standard processing before starting any application
- Apply in Correct Country: Schedule your visa interview appointment in your country of residence or nationality only—third-country applications will be rejected
- Prepare Health Documentation: Gather required health screening documents including vaccination records and medical examination results from approved physicians
- Submit Financial Proof: Demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for healthcare needs as part of the new November 2025 requirements
- Expect Delays: Plan for extended processing times, especially for applicants from African nations experiencing additional scrutiny and verification
- Check Interview Waiver Status: As of October 1, 2025, updated categories may allow some applicants to skip interviews—verify your eligibility on the State Department website
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Mark these critical dates in your calendar to ensure compliance with new requirements:
- June 9, 2025: US travel ban on 19 countries officially took effect at 12:01 AM EDT
- July 2025: Visa validity reduction to 3 months/single entry implemented for many nonimmigrant categories
- September 6, 2025: New rule requiring visa applications in country of residence/nationality became effective
- October 1, 2025: Updated interview waiver categories took effect, potentially reducing wait times for eligible applicants
- November 1, 2025: Immigrant visa applicants must attend interviews in country of nationality or long-term residence
- November 2025: Health-based screening criteria now mandatory for all visa applications
- November 7-14, 2025: FAA-mandated flight reductions ramping from 4% to 10% at busiest airports due to government shutdown
- October 2026 (Expected): EU Entry/Exit System (EES) full implementation deadline after phased rollout from October 12, 2025
Flight Disruptions Adding to Travel Challenges
Beyond visa restrictions, travelers face significant flight disruptions in November 2025. The ongoing government shutdown has forced the FAA to mandate cancellations at 40 of the nation's busiest airports.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel will be "reduced to a trickle" ahead of Thanksgiving. Nearly 3,000 flights were canceled on a single Sunday, with Southwest Airlines alone removing approximately 140 flights from Monday schedules and 115 from Tuesday.
European Travel Authorization Systems: Latest Updates
Travelers heading to Europe should be aware of two major systems being implemented:
UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Already in effect since January 8, 2025, US and European travelers must obtain ETA registration before visiting the UK. The authorization costs approximately $13 and allows authorities to screen visitors before arrival, though it is not classified as a visa.
EU ETIAS and Entry/Exit System (EES)
The EU's Entry/Exit System began phased implementation on October 12, 2025, replacing physical passport stamps with biometric data collection. However, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been delayed until late 2026, pending European Parliament approval. ETIAS will require US passport holders who previously traveled visa-free to apply for authorization before entering Schengen Area countries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Restrictions Updates
Can I Still Travel to the US if I'm from a Banned Country?
If you hold a valid US green card, you are exempt from the travel ban regardless of your nationality. Additionally, dual citizens can enter using passports from non-restricted countries. Refugees, asylees, diplomats, and athletes participating in the 2026 World Cup or 2028 Olympics also qualify for exemptions. However, if you only hold citizenship from a fully banned country and don't have a visa issued before June 9, 2025, you cannot enter without obtaining a rare case-by-case waiver.
How Long Will These Travel Restrictions Last?
The current travel restrictions have no announced expiration date and are considered indefinite until modified or revoked by future executive action. The restrictions are subject to periodic review and may be expanded to include additional countries or reduced based on security assessments. Travelers should monitor the US State Department's travel advisories regularly for updates.
Do These Restrictions Apply to US Citizens and Green Card Holders?
No, US citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are completely exempt from all travel restrictions and can travel freely to and from the United States. However, US citizens may face additional scrutiny when traveling to restricted countries, and the State Department has issued travel advisories for many of these nations due to security concerns.
What Should I Do if My Flight Gets Canceled Due to the Shutdown?
Contact your airline immediately for rebooking options—most carriers including Southwest Airlines are waiving change fees during the shutdown period. Consider booking alternative transportation or delaying non-essential travel until the situation stabilizes. Airlines are legally required to provide refunds for canceled flights if you choose not to rebook.
Can I Apply for a US Visa in a Different Country Anymore?
As of September 6, 2025, the answer is generally no. The new policy requires nonimmigrant visa applicants to file in their country of residence or nationality with very limited exceptions. This represents a major shift from previous policies that allowed third-country national processing, so plan accordingly when scheduling visa appointments.
What You Need to Know About Travel in Late 2025
The convergence of travel restrictions affecting 19 countries, significant flight disruptions from the government shutdown, and new visa application requirements creates an unprecedented challenge for international travelers in November 2025. If you're planning travel to or from the United States, start preparations early and expect longer processing times, especially if you're from one of the affected nations or need to apply for new documentation.
Before booking any international travel, verify your visa status, confirm your passport photo meets requirements for any new applications, and monitor airline schedules closely for potential disruptions. Additionally, if you're traveling to Europe or the UK, ensure you've obtained the necessary electronic travel authorizations well in advance of your departure. For those needing to submit new visa applications, working with a qualified immigration attorney can help navigate the complex new requirements and maximize approval chances in this challenging environment.