Major US Travel Restrictions Expansion: What Changed in December 2025
Travel restrictions in 2025 have reached unprecedented levels as the United States announced a massive expansion of its travel ban on December 16, 2025. The new proclamation doubles the number of affected nations to 39 countries, impacting hundreds of thousands of travelers and immigrants worldwide.
Additionally, new biometric requirements taking effect December 26, 2025 will require facial recognition scans for virtually all non-citizens entering or leaving the country. These sweeping changes represent the most significant travel policy shifts since 2017.
Key Travel Restrictions Updates for 2025-2026
Here are the major changes travelers and immigrants need to understand:
- 39 Countries Affected: Presidential Proclamation 10998 expands restrictions from 19 to 39 countries, effective January 1, 2026
- Full Travel Ban: 19 countries now face complete suspension of both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas
- Partial Restrictions: 20 additional countries face limited visa issuance with enhanced vetting requirements
- Biometric Mandate: All non-citizens must provide facial biometrics at entry and exit starting December 26, 2025
- Immigration Pause: Pending applications from affected countries have been suspended indefinitely
- Palestinian Authority: Travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are now included in the full ban
According to the American Immigration Council, roughly 1 in 5 people seeking to immigrate legally to the US are now barred from doing so. The restrictions affect over 60% of African nations and approximately 20% of all countries globally.
Complete List of 39 Countries Under US Travel Restrictions
The travel ban now includes two categories of affected nations with different restriction levels.
Countries with Full Travel Ban (19 Nations)
These countries face complete suspension of immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance:
- Original 12 Countries: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen
- New Full Ban Countries: Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria
- Special Addition: Palestinian Authority travel document holders
Countries with Partial Travel Restrictions (20 Nations)
These countries face limited visa categories and enhanced screening:
- Continuing Restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Venezuela
- New Partial Restrictions: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Restrictions Eased: Turkmenistan (nonimmigrant visas now permitted)
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The expanded travel restrictions impact multiple categories of travelers differently based on their nationality and visa type.
For Immigrants and Green Card Applicants
Nationals from fully banned countries cannot apply for any type of immigrant visa. Those with pending applications have had their cases paused indefinitely. However, current lawful permanent residents already in the US are exempt from the new restrictions.
For Tourists and Business Travelers
Visitors from partially restricted countries may still apply for B-1/B-2 visas but face enhanced vetting. Some may be required to post visa bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 as part of a new pilot program. Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements before applying.
For Students and Exchange Visitors
Students from fully banned countries cannot obtain F-1 or J-1 visas. Those from partially restricted nations face additional scrutiny and longer processing times. Current students with valid visas should avoid international travel until their status is clarified.
How to Check Your Travel Status - Step by Step
Follow these steps to determine how the new restrictions affect your travel plans:
- Verify Your Nationality: Check if your country of citizenship appears on either the full ban or partial restriction list above
- Check Current Visa Status: If you hold a valid US visa issued before January 1, 2026, you may be exempt from the new restrictions
- Review Your Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned travel dates and that your visa photo specifications meet current standards
- Contact Your Embassy: Reach out to the US embassy or consulate in your country for case-specific guidance
- Consult an Immigration Attorney: For complex cases or pending applications, seek professional legal advice before traveling
New Biometric Requirements: December 26, 2025
A separate but equally significant change affects all international travelers to the United States.
What Biometric Data Is Collected
Starting December 26, 2025, US Customs and Border Protection will collect facial recognition photographs from all non-citizens at airports, land crossings, and seaports. Fingerprint and iris scans will be phased in over the following years.
Who Must Comply
All non-US citizens are affected, including green card holders, visa holders, tourists, students, and temporary workers. Previously exempt groups such as diplomats, Canadian travelers, and children under 14 must now comply. Refusal to provide biometrics results in denied entry.
Data Retention Policies
CBP retains biometric data for non-citizens in the DHS Biometric Identity Management System for up to 75 years. US citizens who voluntarily participate have their photos deleted within 12 hours.
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for the 2025-2026 travel restriction changes:
- December 16, 2025: Presidential Proclamation 10998 signed, expanding travel ban to 39 countries
- December 26, 2025: New biometric entry-exit requirements take effect for all non-citizens
- December 31, 2025: Grace period ends for non-compliant passport photos; AI-edited photos face immediate rejection
- January 1, 2026: Expanded travel ban officially takes effect at 12:01 AM Eastern Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I already have a valid US visa from an affected country?
If you hold a valid visa issued before January 1, 2026, you are generally exempt from the new restrictions. However, you may face additional screening at ports of entry. Keep your visa and supporting documentation readily available when traveling.
Can I apply for a US visa from a third country?
No. As of November 1, 2025, all visa applications must be submitted in your country of residence or nationality. The previous option to apply from third countries has been eliminated for most visa categories.
How do the new biometric requirements affect green card holders?
Green card holders must now provide biometric data at every entry and exit. While lawful permanent residents are exempt from the travel ban itself, they are not exempt from biometric collection. Plan extra time at airports for this process.
What happens to pending visa applications from banned countries?
The US government has paused processing of immigration applications from all affected countries. Applicants should monitor their case status through USCIS but should not expect movement until further policy guidance is issued.
What You Need to Know Before Traveling
These travel restrictions represent the most significant changes to US immigration policy in years. If you're from an affected country, consult with an immigration attorney before making any travel plans or visa applications. Those with valid visas should carefully consider whether international travel is advisable given the current uncertainty.
For all international travelers, ensure your passport photo meets the latest requirements before applying for any visa or travel authorization. VisaPics can help you create compliant photos that meet official specifications for over 950 document types across 170+ countries. Stay informed about these rapidly evolving policies by checking official government sources regularly.