Major Travel Restrictions Now in Effect for November 2025
As of November 1, 2025, sweeping changes to international travel restrictions and visa requirements have taken effect, impacting millions of travelers worldwide. The most significant development is the U.S. travel ban affecting 19 countries, combined with new mandatory visa interview location rules that fundamentally change where applicants must apply for U.S. visas.
These restrictions, first announced in June 2025 and now fully implemented, come alongside Europe's new biometric Entry/Exit System and the UK's expanded Electronic Travel Authorization requirements. Understanding these changes is critical for anyone planning international travel in the coming months.
U.S. Travel Ban: 19 Countries Currently Affected
Effective June 9, 2025 at 12:01am EDT, the U.S. implemented nationality-based travel restrictions on citizens from 19 countries. Here's the complete breakdown:
Full Travel Ban (12 Countries)
- Afghanistan: All visa categories suspended, no entry permitted
- Burma (Myanmar): Complete visa issuance and entry suspension
- Chad: Full travel ban across all visa types
- Republic of the Congo: No visas issued for U.S. entry
- Equatorial Guinea: All entry categories blocked
- Eritrea: Complete travel restriction in effect
- Haiti: Full visa suspension and entry ban
- Iran: All visa categories prohibited
- Libya: Complete entry restriction
- Somalia: Full travel ban implemented
- Sudan: All visa issuance suspended
- Yemen: Complete entry prohibition
Partial Restrictions (7 Countries)
- Burundi: B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas, plus F and J student/exchange visas suspended
- Cuba: Specific visa categories restricted
- Laos: Selected visa types blocked
- Sierra Leone: Tourist and certain student visas prohibited
- Togo: B-1/B-2 and educational visa restrictions
- Turkmenistan: Partial visa category suspension
- Venezuela: Specific entry categories blocked
Important: Reports indicate that as many as 36 additional countries, primarily in Africa, may be added to the travel ban unless they meet specific security and cooperation benchmarks. Additionally, the State Department has issued Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisories for 21 countries due to terrorism, conflict, and unlawful detention risks.
Who Is Affected by the Travel Restrictions
The travel ban does not apply uniformly to all individuals from the affected countries. Understanding exemptions is crucial for travel planning.
For Visa Holders and Green Card Holders
If you already hold a valid U.S. visa issued before June 9, 2025, you are NOT affected by the ban and can continue to use your visa for entry. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) from the 19 restricted countries can travel freely and are completely exempt from the restrictions.
For Dual Nationals
Dual citizens can bypass the restrictions by traveling on a passport issued by a non-designated country. For example, if you hold both Iranian and Canadian citizenship, you can enter the U.S. using your Canadian passport without restrictions.
For Athletes and Special Cases
Athletes from restricted countries coming to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games are exempt from the ban. Additionally, asylees, refugees, diplomatic visa holders, and international organization representatives can still enter the United States.
New Visa Interview Location Rules - Effective November 1, 2025
As of November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa applicants must attend interviews in specific locations. This represents a major change from previous flexible scheduling options.
- Country of Residence Rule: Applicants must schedule interviews in the consular district designated for their country of residence
- Nationality Alternative: Upon request, applicants may apply in their country of nationality instead of residence
- Nonimmigrant Visas: Since September 6, 2025, nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend interviews in their country of nationality or long-term residence
- No Third-Country Processing: The practice of "visa shopping" or applying in convenient third countries has been significantly restricted
- Documentation Requirements: Applicants must prove residency or nationality in their interview country with official documents
Europe and UK Electronic Authorization Systems
Major changes are reshaping European travel with new biometric requirements and pre-registration systems.
Europe Entry/Exit System (EES)
Launched October 12, 2025, the EES requires all non-EU travelers to provide fingerprints and facial images at border crossings for 30 Schengen countries. This data is stored for three years and replaces traditional passport stamps with digital records, modernizing border control across the Schengen Area.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Starting January 8, 2025, non-European nationals from visa-exempt countries (including U.S. citizens) must obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK. The authorization costs £10 (approximately $13), remains valid for two years or until passport expiration, and allows UK authorities to screen visitors before arrival.
European ETIAS (Coming May 2025)
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), postponed multiple times, is expected to launch in May 2025. Once implemented, travelers can enter participating Schengen countries multiple times for short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Important Dates and Timeline for 2025-2026
Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to ensure compliance with new travel requirements:
- November 1, 2025: Immigrant visa interview location rules take effect - must apply in country of residence or nationality
- January 8, 2025 (effective now): UK ETA requirement for U.S. and other non-European travelers begins
- April 2, 2025: UK ETA requirement extends to all European citizens traveling to the UK
- May 7, 2025: U.S. REAL ID enforcement begins for domestic flights and federal facilities
- May 2025 (expected): European Union ETIAS system launches for visa-free travelers
- April 1, 2025: Namibia introduces visa requirements for citizens of 31 previously visa-exempt countries including U.S., Canada, France
How to Navigate the New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow this action plan to ensure your travel documents comply with the latest requirements:
- Check Your Nationality Status: Verify whether your country of citizenship is on the U.S. travel ban list or any other restriction lists
- Review Existing Visas: If you hold a U.S. visa issued before June 9, 2025, it remains valid despite the travel ban
- Apply for Required Authorizations: Obtain UK ETA (for UK travel), prepare for ETIAS (for Europe), and ensure passport photos meet current biometric requirements
- Verify Interview Locations: If applying for a new U.S. visa, confirm you're scheduling in your country of residence or nationality only
- Update Passport Documentation: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel dates and meets photo specifications
- Register with EES: When entering the Schengen Area, complete biometric registration at the first port of entry
- Monitor Advisory Updates: Check Travel.State.gov and official government websites regularly as restrictions can change with minimal notice
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Travel to the U.S. If My Country Is on the Ban List?
Yes, if you already have a valid U.S. visa issued before June 9, 2025, or if you're a green card holder. Dual nationals can use a passport from a non-restricted country. However, new visa applications from the 19 affected countries are suspended unless you qualify for specific exemptions like diplomatic status or refugee protection.
What Happens If I Have a Valid Visa But My Country Gets Added to the Ban?
Visas issued before the travel ban took effect on June 9, 2025, remain valid for their full duration. You can continue to use your existing visa even if your country is added to the restriction list. The ban only affects new visa applications and issuances.
Do I Need Special Passport Photos for the New European EES System?
The European Entry/Exit System captures biometric facial images at the border, but you still need compliant passport photos for your passport and visa applications. Your passport photo must meet ICAO standards with specific dimensions, neutral background, and facial positioning. When you need passport photos that meet international requirements for over 172 countries, ensure your images comply with official specifications.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization typically processes within 72 hours, though applications can be submitted months in advance. Apply at least one week before your planned travel date to allow for any processing delays or issues with your application.
Will the Travel Ban Affect My Green Card Application?
If you're already in the United States and adjusting status to permanent residency, the travel ban should not affect your application. However, if you're applying for an immigrant visa from abroad in one of the 19 restricted countries, new visa issuances are currently suspended. Consult with an immigration attorney for case-specific guidance.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The November 2025 travel landscape requires careful planning and documentation. The U.S. travel ban affecting 19 countries, new visa interview location mandates, and Europe's biometric Entry/Exit System represent the most significant changes to international travel protocols in years. These restrictions impact not only where you can travel, but also where and how you must apply for necessary visas.
Before booking any international travel, verify your destination's current entry requirements and ensure all your travel documents are up to date. Check that your passport photo meets the specific requirements for visa applications and entry authorization systems, as non-compliant photos are a leading cause of application delays and rejections. Stay informed by monitoring official government travel advisories and embassy websites for real-time updates to travel restrictions that can change rapidly.