Major Visa Policy Changes Reshape Global Travel in 2026
Visa policy changes in 2026 are transforming international travel with unprecedented restrictions and new requirements. The United States has expanded its travel ban to 39 countries, Europe is finally launching ETIAS, and both the UK and Canada are implementing stricter immigration rules.
These sweeping changes affect millions of travelers, students, and workers worldwide. Whether you're planning a vacation, applying for a work visa, or seeking permanent residency, understanding these new requirements is essential.
US Travel Ban Expansion: 39 Countries Now Restricted
Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, represents the most significant expansion of US travel restrictions in recent years.
- 19 countries fully banned: Afghanistan, Burma, Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen
- 20 countries partially restricted: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Palestinian Authority documents: Travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are now fully restricted
- Partial bans affect: B visas (tourist/business), F visas (students), M visas (vocational), and J visas (exchange visitors)
However, foreign nationals who already hold valid US visas issued before January 1, 2026, are not affected by this proclamation. Additionally, USCIS has paused immigration application processing for an additional 20 countries.
Who Is Affected by the US Visa Changes
The new restrictions impact different groups in specific ways. Understanding your category is crucial for planning.
For Current Visa Holders
If you hold a valid US visa issued before January 1, 2026, you remain admissible to the United States. Your visa has not been revoked, and you can continue to travel as planned.
For New Visa Applicants
Nationals from the 39 affected countries who were outside the US on January 1, 2026, and did not hold a valid visa face significant restrictions. Full-ban countries cannot obtain any visa type, while partial-ban countries are limited to specific visa categories.
For H-1B Workers and Employers
A new $100,000 employer fee applies to H-1B petitions filed between September 21, 2025, and September 21, 2026. Additionally, the H-1B selection process now prioritizes higher-skilled, higher-wage applications over the traditional lottery system.
For Students and Exchange Visitors
Social media disclosure covering the past 5 years is now mandatory for ESTA applications. H-1B workers and H-4 dependents must also disclose social media identifiers and keep accounts publicly visible during adjudication.
Europe's ETIAS System Finally Launching in 2026
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will launch in Q4 2026, requiring travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-travel authorization.
- Who needs it: US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and 54 other visa-exempt countries
- Cost: €20 (approximately $22 USD)
- Validity: 3 years or until passport expiration
- Stay permitted: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period
- Application: Entirely online, typically processed within minutes
A six-month transitional period will allow travelers to adjust. During this phase, lacking ETIAS won't be grounds for entry refusal if other conditions are met. After the transition, ETIAS becomes mandatory for boarding flights to Schengen countries.
UK Immigration Rule Changes for 2026
The UK is implementing what experts call the biggest immigration overhaul in 50 years.
- January 8, 2026: English B2 requirement for Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual visas (up from B1)
- February 25, 2026: UK ETA strictly enforced with "no permission, no travel" policy (£16 cost, 2-year validity)
- April 2026 (expected): Settlement qualifying period extended from 5 to 10 years
- January 1, 2027: Graduate visas reduced from 2 years to 18 months
Skilled Worker visa salary thresholds remain at £41,700 for most roles. Those claiming benefits face even longer waits for settlement—up to 15 or 20 years depending on duration of benefit claims.
Canada Immigration Targets Reduced
Canada is shifting toward a smaller, more selective immigration system in 2026.
- Permanent residents: 380,000 target for 2026 (down from 483,000 in 2024)
- Student visas: Only 155,000 new permits (down from 437,000 in 2025)
- Temporary residents: Target of 385,000 new arrivals
- Priority sectors: Healthcare, social services, trades, agriculture, education, and STEM
A new Express Entry category for international doctors with Canadian work experience launches in early 2026. Meanwhile, the Home Care Worker pilot is suspended, and the Start-Up Visa program stopped accepting new applications on December 31, 2025.
How to Prepare for 2026 Visa Changes - Step by Step
Follow these steps to navigate the new requirements successfully.
- Check your status: Verify if your nationality is affected by any travel bans or restrictions before booking travel
- Validate existing visas: Confirm your current visa was issued before January 1, 2026, to ensure it remains valid
- Apply for ETIAS early: Once available in Q4 2026, apply before booking European travel—don't assume instant approval
- Update passport photos: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for visa applications and digital systems
- Gather documentation: Prepare social media records, employment history, and financial documentation for enhanced vetting
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for visa policy changes in 2026.
- January 1, 2026: US travel ban expansion takes effect; Canada immigration changes begin
- January 8, 2026: UK B2 English requirement for skilled worker visas
- February 25, 2026: UK ETA mandatory enforcement begins
- February 27, 2026: New H-1B selection rules effective for FY 2027 cap season
- April 2026: UK settlement reforms expected to take effect
- Q4 2026: Europe's ETIAS system launches with six-month grace period
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the US travel ban affect people with existing visas?
No. If you hold a valid US visa issued before January 1, 2026, you are not subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998. Your visa remains valid, and you can continue traveling to the United States.
Do Americans need ETIAS to visit Europe in 2026?
Yes, once ETIAS launches in Q4 2026. Americans will need to apply online and obtain authorization before traveling to Schengen Area countries. The cost is €20, and approval typically takes minutes.
How do the UK ETA requirements work?
Starting February 25, 2026, visa-exempt travelers from approximately 85 countries must obtain a UK ETA (£16) before travel. Airlines will check ETA status before boarding. British and Irish citizens are exempt.
Will Canada still accept immigrants in 2026?
Yes, but in reduced numbers. Canada's 2026 target is 380,000 permanent residents, down from 483,000 in 2024. Priority is given to healthcare workers, tradespeople, and STEM professionals through Express Entry.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The visa policy changes of 2026 represent a global shift toward tighter immigration controls, enhanced security screening, and digital travel authorization systems. The US has dramatically expanded travel restrictions, Europe is finally implementing ETIAS, and both the UK and Canada are making it harder to immigrate permanently.
Before applying for any visa or planning international travel, check the latest requirements for your specific nationality and destination. Ensure your passport photo meets official specifications for digital systems like ETIAS and UK ETA—proper photos are essential for successful applications. Visit VisaPics to verify your visa photo requirements and stay updated on these rapidly evolving policies.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Visa Suspension Notice](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html) - [NAFSA - Proclamation of December 16, 2025 Travel Ban](https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/proclamation-december-16-2025-travel-ban-effective-january-1-2026) - [NPR - DHS Pauses Immigration Applications](https://www.npr.org/2026/01/02/g-s1-104284/dhs-pause-immigration-applications-20-countries) - [European Commission - ETIAS](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias) - [UK House of Commons Library - Immigration White Paper](https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10267/) - [Canada.ca - Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/corporate-initiatives/levels/supplementary-immigration-levels-2026-2028.html) - [CTV News - Canada Immigration Changes](https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/2026-will-see-canada-slash-immigration-targets-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-year-ahead/) - [Newsweek - Green Card Update](https://www.newsweek.com/green-card-update-new-visa-change-11289223)