Major Travel Restrictions Updates for 2025-2026
Travel restrictions updates are reshaping international travel as the United States implements sweeping changes affecting millions of travelers. On December 16, 2025, Presidential Proclamation 10998 expanded the travel ban to 39 countries, with full implementation beginning January 1, 2026.
These new restrictions represent the most significant immigration policy shift in years. Combined with biometric entry-exit requirements that took effect December 26, 2025, travelers face a fundamentally changed landscape at US borders.
Key Travel Restrictions and Visa Changes
The latest travel restrictions updates introduce multiple layers of new requirements for international travelers.
- Full visa suspension: 19 countries now face complete visa restrictions for all immigrant and nonimmigrant categories
- Partial restrictions: 20 additional countries face suspended B-1/B-2 visitor visas, student visas (F/M/J), and immigrant visas
- Biometric screening: All non-US citizens must provide photographs at every border crossing, effective December 26, 2025
- Enhanced vetting: Green card holders from 19 designated countries face intensive reviews
- Social media checks: H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must set profiles to public as of December 15, 2025
The Department of State confirmed these measures apply only to foreign nationals outside the United States on the effective date who do not hold a valid visa. Existing visas issued before January 1, 2026 remain valid under current regulations.
Countries Affected by the 2025 Travel Ban
Understanding which nations face restrictions helps travelers plan accordingly.
Full Visa Suspension (19 Countries)
Nationals from these countries face complete visa restrictions: 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. Travel documents from the Palestinian Authority are also suspended.
Partial Visa Restrictions (20 Countries)
These nations face B-visa, student visa, and immigrant visa restrictions: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Who Is Exempt from These Restrictions
Limited exceptions exist for diplomatic visas, dual nationals with non-suspended country passports, persecuted religious minorities from Iran, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and major sporting event participants.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements
Follow these steps to navigate the updated travel restrictions successfully.
- Check your visa status: Verify your current visa remains valid before the January 1, 2026 deadline
- Update travel documents: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements—visit VisaPics to verify compliance
- Review social media: H-1B/H-4 applicants must set LinkedIn and other profiles to public before interviews
- Prepare for biometrics: Expect photograph collection at every US entry and exit point
- Allow extra time: Enhanced screening may cause delays at airports, land crossings, and seaports
- Consult legal counsel: Those from affected countries should seek immigration attorney guidance
Important Dates and Implementation Timeline
These critical deadlines shape when new travel restrictions take effect.
- December 15, 2025: Social media review requirement begins for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants
- December 16, 2025: Presidential Proclamation 10998 signed, expanding travel restrictions
- December 26, 2025: Biometric entry-exit system takes effect for all non-citizens
- January 1, 2026 (12:01 AM EST): Full and partial visa suspensions become active
- 2026-2030: Biometric system rollout continues across all ports of entry over 3-5 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Do These Travel Restrictions Affect Green Card Holders?
Yes, green card holders face new requirements. All lawful permanent residents must now provide biometric data (photographs, potentially fingerprints and iris scans) at every border crossing. Green card holders from 19 designated countries face additional intensive reviews by USCIS. However, green card holders retain the right to enter the United States.
Can I Still Travel If I Have a Valid Visa?
Visas issued before January 1, 2026 remain valid. The proclamation specifically states it applies only to nationals "outside the United States on the effective date AND do not hold a valid visa." If you already have an approved visa, these restrictions do not apply to you.
What Biometric Data Will Be Collected at US Borders?
US Customs and Border Protection will photograph all non-citizens at airports, land crossings, and seaports. This includes children under 14 and adults over 79, who were previously exempt. CBP may also collect fingerprints and iris scans, matching them against travel documents through the Traveler Verification Service.
Are There Any Countries Recently Removed from Restrictions?
Turkmenistan received a partial lift of restrictions. While immigrant visa restrictions remain, nonimmigrant visa suspensions were removed due to what officials called "productive engagement with the United States."
What Travelers Need to Know Now
These travel restrictions updates represent a fundamental shift in US immigration enforcement. Travelers from affected countries should act immediately to understand their status and options. Those with pending applications may face extended processing times as USCIS implements enhanced vetting procedures.
Proper documentation remains essential for smooth border crossings. Ensure your passport photo meets official requirements by using VisaPics to verify compliance before your visa application. For specific document specifications, check our comprehensive visa photo requirements guide covering 172 countries and over 950 document types.