November 2025 Travel Restrictions Overview
Travel restrictions updates in November 2025 bring sweeping changes for international travelers heading to the United States and Europe. New U.S. visa interview requirements, Europe's biometric Entry/Exit System expansion, and ongoing nationality-based travel bans are creating significant challenges for millions of travelers worldwide.
These changes affect everyone from tourists and students to business travelers and immigrants. Understanding the new requirements is essential for successful visa applications and smooth border crossings during the upcoming holiday travel season.
Key Travel Restrictions and Visa Changes
Here are the most significant travel policy updates now in effect:
- U.S. Visa Interview Location Rule: All immigrant visa applicants must now interview in their country of nationality or residence—third-country processing has ended as of November 1, 2025
- 19-Country Travel Ban: Full visa suspension for 12 countries and partial restrictions for 7 additional nations continue under the June 2025 Executive Order
- Europe EES Expansion: Biometric Entry/Exit System now active at Dover crossings and expanding to Zurich airport on November 17, 2025
- Health-Based Screening: New medical evaluation requirements apply to all U.S. visa applicants worldwide, assessing chronic health conditions
- UK Immigration Tightening: Higher English proficiency (B2 level) required for Skilled Worker visas starting January 2026
These travel restrictions updates represent the most substantial changes to international travel policy since the pandemic era. Travelers should verify their specific requirements well before departure dates.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 changes impact virtually every category of international traveler. Here's what specific groups need to know:
For U.S. Immigrant Visa Applicants
The new interview location requirement means you can no longer schedule visa interviews at convenient third-country consulates. You must return to your country of nationality or long-term residence for processing. This significantly affects applicants living abroad who previously used nearby consulates for faster scheduling.
For Travelers to Europe
First-time visitors to Schengen countries will need to register biometric data (fingerprints and facial scan) at entry points. Expect 5-10 minutes additional processing time per person, potentially extending to 15-20 minutes during peak periods through March 2026. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements before travel.
For Citizens of Affected Countries
Nationals from the 19 countries under U.S. travel restrictions face either complete visa suspension or partial bans on specific visa categories. Limited exemptions exist for diplomats, certain family reunification cases, and approved humanitarian situations.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure smooth international travel under the new restrictions:
- Check Your Nationality Status: Verify whether your country of citizenship faces any U.S. visa restrictions at travel.state.gov
- Schedule Interviews Early: Book visa appointments in your home country 3-4 months ahead due to limited availability under new rules
- Prepare Compliant Photos: Ensure your passport and visa photos meet exact specifications—VisaPics processes photos for 172 countries and 952 document types
- Gather Medical Documentation: Compile health records for the new medical screening requirements, especially for chronic conditions
- Allow Extra Border Time: Add 30-45 minutes to your arrival schedule at European entry points for biometric registration
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical deadlines on your travel calendar:
- November 1, 2025: U.S. immigrant visa interview location restriction takes full effect; Europe EES expands to Dover car passengers
- November 17, 2025: Zurich airport begins mandatory biometric Entry/Exit System processing
- January 8, 2026: UK requires B2 English proficiency for new Skilled Worker visa applicants
- April 10, 2026: Full EES deployment across all 30 Schengen countries
- Late 2026: ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) launches for visa-exempt travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for a U.S. visa if my country has travel restrictions?
It depends on your nationality and visa type. The 12 countries with full bans (including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen) cannot apply for any new U.S. visas except through specific exemptions. The 7 partially restricted countries (including Cuba, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan) can apply for certain visa categories but face bans on tourist, student, and immigrant visas.
How long does biometric registration take at European borders?
First-time registration typically takes 5-10 minutes per person during normal conditions. However, during the initial rollout through March 2026, delays may extend to 15-20 minutes at busy crossings like Dover and major airports. Repeat visitors with existing biometric records will experience minimal additional delay.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe now?
No, ETIAS is not yet required. The system launch has been postponed to late 2026. Currently, U.S., UK, and other visa-exempt travelers can enter Schengen countries without pre-authorization. However, you must register with the new biometric EES at your first entry point.
What medical conditions affect U.S. visa approval?
The new health-based screening evaluates chronic medical conditions that may impact public health or require significant healthcare resources. Specific criteria have not been fully disclosed, but applicants should prepare documentation for any ongoing medical treatments or conditions.
What You Need to Know
These November 2025 travel restrictions updates require advance planning for successful international travel. The U.S. visa interview location changes, 19-country travel bans, and European biometric requirements create new hurdles that can delay or prevent travel if not addressed early.
Start your preparation now by verifying your visa requirements and ensuring all travel documents meet current standards. For visa and passport photo requirements, VisaPics provides compliant photos that meet official government specifications for over 170 countries. Proper documentation is the foundation of successful visa applications during this period of heightened travel restrictions.