Travel Restrictions 2025-2026: Major Changes Now in Effect
Travel restrictions updates have dramatically reshaped international travel as we enter 2026. The United States has expanded its travel ban from 19 to 39 countries, affecting millions of visa applicants worldwide. These changes, effective January 1, 2026, represent the most significant shift in U.S. immigration policy in years.
Beyond the U.S. changes, the UK now requires Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for American visitors, the EU is preparing to launch ETIAS, and Canada has updated its eTA cancellation powers. Travelers must understand these new requirements to avoid disrupted trips and denied boarding.
U.S. Travel Ban Expansion: 39 Countries Affected
On December 16, 2025, the White House issued a proclamation that more than doubled the number of countries under travel restrictions. The expanded ban now includes both full visa suspensions and partial restrictions.
- 19 Countries Under Full Visa Suspension: 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 Under Partial Restrictions: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte D'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Palestinian Authority document holders
- Visa Types Affected: B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F/M/J student and exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas are suspended for partially restricted countries
- New Biometric Requirements: All non-U.S. citizens, including green card holders, will be photographed at every entry and exit point as of December 26, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security has also implemented stricter residency checks for lawful permanent residents from the 19 fully banned countries. These measures aim to strengthen national security through advanced identification technologies.
However, critics including the International Refugee Assistance Project have raised concerns that Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders—who supported U.S. military operations—no longer have an exception under the updated travel ban.
Who Is Exempt from the Travel Ban?
Not everyone from affected countries faces travel restrictions. The proclamation includes several important exemptions that travelers should understand.
For Current U.S. Residents
Foreign nationals physically present in the United States on January 1, 2026 are exempt from the ban. Similarly, those holding valid visas of any category as of that date will not have their visas revoked. Lawful permanent residents also remain exempt.
For Dual Nationals
Travelers with dual nationality from an affected country may travel using a passport from a non-designated country. For example, a citizen of both Nigeria and the UK could enter the U.S. using their British passport without restriction.
For World Cup Athletes and Staff
Athletes, coaches, support staff, and their immediate relatives traveling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico) have specific exemptions regardless of nationality.
UK ETA Requirements: Now Mandatory for Americans
The United Kingdom's Electronic Travel Authorisation system is now fully operational and mandatory for U.S. travelers.
- Effective Date: January 8, 2025 for U.S. citizens and other non-European nationals
- Cost: £16 (approximately $20 USD)
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first
- Processing Time: Most applications approved within minutes via the UK ETA app
- Coverage: All UK territories including England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and British Overseas Territories
Starting February 25, 2026, travelers without a valid ETA will be denied boarding to the UK. The requirement applies even to those simply transiting through UK airports, so ensure your passport photo and application are ready before booking travel.
EU ETIAS: Launching Late 2026
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is scheduled to launch in Q4 2026, requiring visa-exempt travelers to obtain pre-clearance before entering the Schengen Area.
- Launch Date: Last quarter of 2026, approximately one year after the Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Cost: €20 for travelers aged 18-70 (free for those under 18 or over 70)
- Validity: 3 years or until passport expiration
- Coverage: 30 European countries in the Schengen Area
- Grace Period: At least 6 months after launch where ETIAS will be optional
Warning: The official ETIAS website is europa.eu/etias. Many fraudulent websites use EU logos and collect personal data. Do not apply until the system officially launches, and only use the official EU portal.
Canada eTA Updates: New Cancellation Powers
Canada has strengthened its electronic Travel Authorization program with new enforcement capabilities.
- January 31, 2025: New regulations allow IRCC and CBSA officers to cancel eTAs, work permits, and study permits on a case-by-case basis
- May 7, 2025: Updated entry requirements affecting visa status assessments
- November 25, 2025: Qatar citizens now eTA-eligible (previously required visitor visa)
- 2027 Plans: Expanded facial-biometric requirements for all eTA-eligible travelers
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents remain exempt from Canada's eTA requirement and need only a valid passport for entry. However, travelers from conditionally eTA-eligible countries (including Philippines, Thailand, and Argentina) must have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.
How to Prepare for International Travel in 2026
Follow these steps to ensure smooth travel under the new restrictions.
- Check Your Nationality Status: Verify whether your country is on any restricted lists and determine if exemptions apply to your situation
- Apply for Required Authorizations Early: Submit UK ETA applications at least 3 working days before travel; process Canadian eTA well in advance
- Update Your Passport Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements as biometric screening becomes more stringent
- Gather Documentation: Keep proof of residency, valid visas, and travel itineraries readily accessible at all entry points
- Monitor Official Sources: Travel policies may change—bookmark official government websites for your destination countries
Important Dates and Timeline
Keep these critical deadlines in mind when planning international travel.
- December 26, 2025: New DHS biometric photography requirements for all non-citizens at U.S. ports of entry
- January 1, 2026: Expanded U.S. travel ban affecting 39 countries takes effect
- January 8, 2025: UK ETA became mandatory for Americans (already in effect)
- February 25, 2026: UK ETA becomes strictly enforced—no boarding without authorization
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) fully operational
- Q4 2026: EU ETIAS launches with initial grace period
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Travel to the U.S. If My Country Is on the Travel Ban List?
It depends on the restriction level. If your country is fully banned, you cannot obtain new immigrant or nonimmigrant visas. If partially restricted, you may be eligible for certain visa categories not covered by the ban. Existing valid visa holders are not affected.
Do I Need Both UK ETA and EU ETIAS?
Yes, these are separate systems for different territories. The UK is not part of the EU or Schengen Area, so travelers visiting both regions will need both authorizations. UK ETA is currently required; ETIAS launches in late 2026.
What Happens If I Arrive Without Required Travel Authorization?
You will likely be denied boarding at your departure airport. Airlines are responsible for checking authorization status before allowing passengers to board. If you somehow arrive without proper documentation, you may face detention, deportation, and future travel restrictions.
Are Green Card Holders Affected by the New Travel Restrictions?
Green card holders are exempt from the travel ban but face new biometric requirements. As of December 26, 2025, all lawful permanent residents will be photographed at every U.S. entry and exit point. Those from the 19 fully banned countries may face additional scrutiny.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The 2025-2026 travel restrictions represent a fundamental shift in international travel requirements. With 39 countries now facing U.S. visa restrictions, mandatory ETA for UK visitors, and ETIAS launching soon, advance preparation is essential. Check your eligibility, apply early for required authorizations, and stay informed through official government channels.
Before traveling internationally, ensure your passport photo meets all requirements for your destination country. Use VisaPics to create compliant photos for visa applications, passport renewals, and travel authorization documents. With biometric screening becoming stricter worldwide, having a properly formatted photo is more important than ever.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Visa Suspension](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) - [White House Fact Sheet - Travel Ban Expansion](https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/12/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-further-restricts-and-limits-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/) - [Fragomen - Travel Ban Analysis](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-travel-ban-expanded-and-revised-effective-january-1-2026.html) - [UK Government - ETA Requirements](https://www.gov.uk/eta) - [U.S. Embassy UK - ETA Travel Alert](https://uk.usembassy.gov/worldwide-travel-alert-new-entry-requirements-for-us-citizens-traveling-or-transiting-through-united-kingdom-airports-effective-january-8-2025/) - [EU ETIAS Official Portal](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias) - [Canada.ca - eTA Information](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html) - [Newsweek - Green Card Travel Restrictions](https://www.newsweek.com/green-card-update-new-visa-travel-restrictions-come-into-force-11259295)