Major Travel Restrictions Now in Effect for October 2025
As of October 12, 2025, the European Union officially launched its new Entry/Exit System (EES), fundamentally changing how non-EU travelers enter the Schengen Area. This biometric border control system now requires fingerprints and facial recognition from all visitors from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and over 60 other countries. Meanwhile, the United States continues to enforce travel restrictions on 19 countries that took effect in June 2025.
These changes represent the most significant updates to international travel requirements in recent years. Both the EU's biometric system and the US travel ban affect millions of travelers worldwide and require careful planning before any international trip.
EU Entry/Exit System: Key Changes for Travelers
The EES replaces traditional passport stamping with digital biometric registration. Here's what changed on October 12, 2025:
- Biometric Registration Required: All non-EU travelers aged 12 and above must provide fingerprints and facial images at their first point of entry
- Digital Records Replace Stamps: Passport stamps are being phased out in favor of electronic entry/exit tracking across all 29 Schengen countries
- Gradual Implementation: Full system rollout continues through April 9, 2026, with some countries experiencing initial technical difficulties
- One-Time Registration: Biometric data remains valid for three years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first
- Automated Border Gates: Future travelers will use self-service kiosks for faster processing after initial registration
- Extended Processing Times: Expect delays of 10-30 minutes at borders during the transition period through early 2026
Prague's international airport experienced significant delays during the first weekend of implementation, with malfunctioning equipment forcing manual processing. Border officials recommend arriving at least 3 hours early for international flights through March 2026.
US Travel Ban and Visa Restrictions Still Active
The United States maintains comprehensive travel restrictions that began June 9, 2025. These restrictions remain in effect as of October 2025 with no announced end date.
For Citizens of 12 Fully Banned Countries
Nationals of Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen face complete visa suspension for all categories. However, valid green card holders and those with visas issued before June 9, 2025 are exempt from the ban.
For Citizens of 7 Partially Restricted Countries
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela nationals cannot obtain B-1/B-2 tourist visas, F/M student visas, J exchange visas, or most immigrant visas. Limited exceptions exist for immediate relatives of US citizens and special categories like refugee status.
For Travelers From 36 Countries on Notice
An additional 36 countries have been notified they may face restrictions if they fail to meet US security and data-sharing requirements. These countries have not been publicly disclosed but are under active review by the Department of State.
How to Navigate the New EU Biometric System
Follow these steps to ensure smooth entry into the Schengen Area:
- Verify Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and has blank pages for entry stamps
- Arrive Early at Border Crossings: Add 2-3 hours to your normal airport arrival time through April 2026 due to registration delays
- Prepare for Biometric Capture: Remove glasses, hats, and ensure your face is clearly visible for facial recognition scanning
- Keep Travel Documents Accessible: Have your passport, return tickets, and proof of accommodation ready for border officials
- Complete Registration Only Once: Your biometric data is stored for 3 years, so subsequent EU entries will be faster using automated gates
- Check Country-Specific Requirements: Some Schengen countries maintain temporary internal border controls beyond the EES system
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Mark these critical dates for international travel planning:
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System officially launched across Schengen Area borders
- October 31, 2025: France's internal border controls with neighboring countries set to expire (subject to extension)
- November 11, 2025: Austria and Denmark's extended internal border checks scheduled to end
- April 9, 2026: All Schengen countries must process 100% of travelers through the EES system
- May 2025 (Expected): European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) visa waiver program to launch
- September 20, 2026: Current expiration date for US H-1B visa $100,000 fee requirement (may be extended)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Register for EES If I'm Just Transiting Through Europe?
Yes, all non-EU travelers passing through Schengen Area airports or land borders must complete EES registration, even for brief layovers. However, once registered, your biometric data remains valid for three years. Transit passengers should add extra time for initial registration processing.
Can I Still Travel to the US If I'm From a Banned Country But Have a Valid Visa?
Yes, any visa issued before June 9, 2025 remains valid and has not been revoked. Legal permanent residents (green card holders), immediate family members of US citizens, and refugees are also exempt from the travel ban. The restrictions only apply to new visa applications submitted after the June 9 effective date.
How Long Does EES Biometric Registration Take at European Borders?
First-time registration currently takes 10-30 minutes depending on border crossing congestion and technical issues. Major airports like Prague experienced significant delays during the first week of implementation. After initial registration, subsequent EU entries should take only 1-2 minutes using automated border gates.
Will ETIAS Replace the Need for EES Registration?
No, ETIAS and EES are separate systems that work together. ETIAS (expected May 2025) is a pre-travel authorization similar to the US ESTA program, while EES handles biometric border control. US and Canadian travelers will need both ETIAS authorization before travel and EES biometric registration upon arrival.
Are Children Exempt From Biometric Collection Requirements?
Children under 12 years old are exempt from EES biometric requirements. However, travelers aged 12 and above must provide fingerprints and facial images regardless of whether they're traveling with parents or guardians.
What International Travelers Need to Know Right Now
The October 2025 travel landscape requires significantly more preparation than in previous years. The EU's biometric Entry/Exit System affects over 1.4 billion non-EU nationals worldwide, while US travel restrictions impact millions from 19 countries. Both systems prioritize security and data tracking over convenience.
Before booking any international travel, verify your passport photo meets current requirements for biometric scanning and ensure your documentation is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. For visa applications, check the latest country-specific restrictions as policies continue to evolve. VisaPics can help ensure your passport photo and visa application photos meet all current international standards for biometric processing.