Travel Restrictions 2025: What International Travelers Must Know
Travel restrictions in 2025 have fundamentally changed how millions of people cross international borders. From sweeping US visa suspensions affecting 19 countries to Europe's new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), travelers face unprecedented documentation requirements and security screenings this November.
These changes represent the most significant overhaul of international travel policies in decades. Whether you're planning holiday travel, a business trip, or applying for a visa, understanding these new restrictions is essential for successful border crossings.
Key Travel Restriction Changes for November 2025
Multiple major policy changes took effect this fall, creating a complex new landscape for international travelers:
- US Visa Suspensions: Full visa issuance suspended for citizens of 12 countries; partial restrictions for 7 additional nations
- Interview Location Requirements: As of November 1, 2025, all US immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of nationality or residence
- EU EES Launch: Biometric Entry/Exit System began October 12, 2025, with full deployment expected by April 2026
- Health-Based Screening: New financial self-sufficiency requirements for healthcare apply to all US visa applicants
- Interview Waivers Eliminated: Nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, must attend in-person interviews
- REAL ID Requirement: Domestic US travelers must show REAL ID-compliant identification since May 7, 2025
These restrictions have created longer processing times at consulates worldwide. Immigration attorneys recommend beginning visa applications well in advance of planned travel dates.
Who Is Affected by 2025 Travel Restrictions
The scope of these changes impacts virtually every category of international traveler, from tourists to students to business professionals.
For Citizens of Banned Countries
Nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen face complete visa suspension. Only narrow exemptions exist for diplomats and limited humanitarian cases. Seven additional countries face partial restrictions on tourist, student, and exchange visas.
For European Travelers
Non-EU nationals entering Schengen countries must now provide biometric data including fingerprints and facial photos at border crossings. First-time travelers will experience longer processing times as their data is entered into the new EES system. Data is retained for three years under normal circumstances.
For US Visa Applicants Worldwide
The elimination of third-country visa processing means applicants can no longer schedule interviews in convenient locations. All applicants must now travel to their home country or country of residence, adding significant time and expense to the visa process.
How to Prepare for International Travel in 2025
Follow these steps to navigate the new travel restriction landscape successfully:
- Verify Your Country's Status: Check whether your nationality is affected by full or partial US visa restrictions before making any travel plans
- Schedule Interviews Early: Book your visa interview appointment 3-6 months in advance due to increased wait times at consulates
- Gather Financial Documentation: Prepare comprehensive proof of healthcare affordability for US visa applications under new health-based screening rules
- Prepare Biometric-Ready Documents: Ensure your passport photo meets requirements for both US and EU biometric systems
- Obtain Required Authorizations: Apply for UK ETA (£10, valid 2 years) if traveling to the United Kingdom
- Consider REAL ID Compliance: Domestic US travelers must have REAL ID-compliant identification or use a valid passport
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your travel planning calendar:
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System launched across 29 European countries
- November 1, 2025: US immigrant visa interview location requirements took effect; EES expanded to Dover vehicle traffic
- November 17, 2025: Zurich airport begins full EES biometric processing
- April 10, 2026: Full EES deployment expected across all 30 Schengen countries
- Late 2026: ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) expected to launch
Frequently Asked Questions
Are visas issued before June 2025 still valid?
Yes. Visas issued before June 9, 2025, remain valid regardless of nationality. The travel restrictions only apply to new visa applications and those without valid visas at the time the ban took effect. However, travelers should be prepared for increased scrutiny at ports of entry.
Can I apply for a US visa in a third country?
No. As of November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of nationality or residence. Nonimmigrant visa applicants have been subject to this requirement since September 2025. This ends the practice of "visa shopping" in countries with shorter wait times.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System and do I need to register?
The EES is a biometric border system that records entry and exit data for non-EU nationals visiting Schengen countries. Registration happens automatically at border crossings—you don't need to pre-register. First-time travelers will have fingerprints scanned and photos taken, replacing traditional passport stamps.
Do green card holders face any new restrictions?
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are exempt from the travel ban. However, green card applicants from banned countries now face automatic "negative factors" in their applications under new November 2025 policies. Current green card holders can travel freely but should carry proof of status.
What You Need to Know for Holiday Travel
The combination of new travel restrictions, staffing shortages at consulates, and increased security screening means international travel requires more preparation, more documentation, and more patience than ever before. Start planning well in advance and consult with immigration counsel if you have any concerns about your eligibility to travel.
Before your trip, ensure all your travel documents are in order. Use VisaPics to verify your passport photo specifications meet the latest biometric requirements for both US and European systems. Having compliant documentation from the start can prevent delays at border crossings and visa appointments. Check our comprehensive database of visa photo requirements for your destination country.