US Travel Restrictions Tighten Dramatically in December 2025
Travel restrictions have intensified significantly in December 2025, with the US government halting all immigration applications from 19 countries and considering expansion of the travel ban to more than 30 nations. These sweeping changes affect millions of travelers, visa applicants, and immigrants worldwide.
The developments follow heightened security concerns after recent incidents, prompting USCIS to pause green card, citizenship, and asylum applications for nationals from designated countries. Additionally, new H-1B visa vetting requirements take effect on December 15, 2025.
Countries Currently Under US Travel Ban
The travel ban, originally implemented on June 9, 2025, currently affects citizens from 19 nations with varying levels of restrictions.
- Full Travel Ban (12 countries): Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen
- Partial Restrictions (7 countries): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela
- Proposed Expansion: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recommends adding 10-13 more countries, bringing the total to 30-32 nations
- Application Freeze: All pending green cards, citizenship, and asylum applications from these 19 countries are now paused
USCIS announced it will re-review and re-interview immigrants from these countries, potentially examining cases going back to 2021. This retroactive review could affect hundreds of thousands of approved applications.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The expanded restrictions impact various categories of travelers and immigrants differently based on their nationality and visa status.
For Pending Green Card Applicants
If you're from one of the 19 countries with a pending green card application, your case is now frozen indefinitely. USCIS will conduct additional security reviews before any cases proceed, and previously approved refugee cases may be reopened.
For H-1B and H-4 Visa Holders
Starting December 15, 2025, all H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependents face expanded screening requirements. The State Department will review social media activity, LinkedIn profiles, and employment history for all applicants.
For Tourists and Business Travelers
Nationals from the 12 fully banned countries cannot obtain any US visas. Those from the 7 partially restricted nations face limitations on specific visa categories including F, J, M, and B visas depending on their country.
How to Navigate New Visa Screening Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to prepare for the enhanced vetting process that now applies to H-1B, H-4, F, M, and J visa applicants.
- Review Your Social Media: Set all profiles to public as required by the State Department, and ensure information matches your visa application exactly
- Verify Employment History: Confirm LinkedIn and resume details align precisely with your DS-160 form and all prior visa filings
- Gather Documentation: Prepare additional evidence of employment, education, and residency that may be requested during enhanced screening
- Check Passport Photo Requirements: Ensure your visa photo meets current US specifications—VisaPics can help verify your photo compliance before submission
- Consult Immigration Counsel: If you have any prior law enforcement interactions or worked in content moderation, fact-checking, or compliance roles, seek legal advice before applying
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for 2025-2026 travel and immigration planning.
- December 15, 2025: Enhanced social media vetting begins for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants
- January 30, 2026: Religious Worker (SR) visa category expires—no visas issued after January 29, 2026
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) reaches full implementation across all Schengen borders
- Q4 2026: EU ETIAS travel authorization expected to launch for visa-exempt travelers to Europe
European Travel Authorization Updates
While US restrictions tighten, Europe continues rolling out new digital border systems that will also affect American travelers.
Entry/Exit System (EES)
The biometric EES went live on October 12, 2025, beginning its six-month phased rollout. By April 2026, all non-EU travelers will have fingerprints and facial images recorded at Schengen borders.
ETIAS Authorization
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System is now expected in late 2026. When launched, visa-exempt travelers (including Americans) must obtain €20 online authorization before entering the Schengen Area.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation
Americans already need UK ETA (approximately $13) since January 8, 2025. This is separate from ETIAS—travelers visiting both UK and Europe will need both authorizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens to My Pending Green Card if I'm From a Banned Country?
Your application is currently paused and will undergo additional security review. USCIS has not provided a timeline for when processing will resume. Consult with an immigration attorney about your specific situation.
Do I Need to Delete My Social Media for Visa Applications?
No—in fact, the opposite. The State Department requires applicants to set social media profiles to public for review. Ensure all information is accurate and consistent with your application. Deleting accounts or hiding information could raise concerns.
Can I Still Travel to Europe as an American in 2025?
Yes, Americans can still visit Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days. However, you'll need UK ETA ($13) for Britain, and should expect biometric registration at borders where EES is operational. ETIAS won't be required until late 2026.
What Travelers Need to Know Now
The December 2025 travel restrictions represent the most significant tightening of US immigration policy in years. With 19 countries currently affected and potential expansion to 30+ nations, travelers should verify their eligibility before making any travel plans.
Processing times for all visa categories are expected to increase due to enhanced screening requirements. Ensure your travel documents, including passport photos, meet current visa application requirements. VisaPics offers compliant photos for over 950 document types across 172 countries, helping ensure your application isn't delayed for photo issues while you navigate these complex new restrictions.
--- Sources: - [NPR - Trump administration halts immigration from 19 travel-ban nations](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/03/g-s1-100218/trump-administration-halts-immigration-19-nations) - [CNN - DHS recommends travel ban list include at least 10 more countries](https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/politics/dhs-travel-ban-countries) - [State Department - Expanded Screening for H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/announcement-of-expanded-screening-and-vetting-for-h-1b-and-dependent-h-4-visa-applicants.html) - [Council on Foreign Relations - Guide to Trump's 2025 Travel Ban List](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [ABC News - US pauses pending green card applications from 19 countries](https://abcnews.go.com/US/us-pauses-pending-green-card-applications-19-countries/story?id=128074898) - [EU Travel Europe - EES and ETIAS Timeline](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/news-corner/revised-timeline-ees-and-etias-2025-04-14_en)