Major US Travel Restrictions Take Effect January 2026
Travel restrictions updates have dramatically reshaped international travel to the United States as of January 1, 2026. The White House proclamation issued on December 16, 2025 more than doubles the number of countries affected by travel bans—from 19 to 39 nations—while introducing mandatory biometric screening for all non-US citizens.
These sweeping changes represent the most significant immigration policy shift in years. Whether you're a tourist, student, business traveler, or green card holder, understanding these new travel restrictions is essential for planning any US trip.
Countries Now Affected by US Travel Restrictions
The expanded travel ban divides affected countries into two categories: full ban and partial restrictions.
Full Travel Ban Countries (19 Nations)
- Afghanistan – All visa categories suspended
- Burkina Faso – Newly added to full ban
- Burma (Myanmar) – All visa categories suspended
- Chad – All visa categories suspended
- Republic of the Congo – All visa categories suspended
- Equatorial Guinea – All visa categories suspended
- Eritrea – All visa categories suspended
- Haiti – All visa categories suspended
- Iran – All visa categories suspended
- Laos – Upgraded from partial to full ban
- Libya – All visa categories suspended
- Mali – Newly added to full ban
- Niger – Newly added to full ban
- Sierra Leone – Upgraded from partial to full ban
- Somalia – All visa categories suspended
- South Sudan – All visa categories suspended
- Sudan – All visa categories suspended
- Syria – All visa categories suspended
- Yemen – All visa categories suspended
Additionally, individuals traveling with Palestinian Authority-issued documents are subject to the full travel ban.
Partial Restriction Countries (20 Nations)
- Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin – Tourist, student, and exchange visas suspended
- Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba – B, F, M, and J visas restricted
- Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia – Immigrant visas suspended
- Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria – Most nonimmigrant categories affected
- Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga – Tourist and student visas restricted
- Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe – Partial entry restrictions apply
Citizens of these 20 countries cannot obtain B-1, B-2 (tourist/business), F (student), M (vocational), or J (exchange visitor) visas under the new restrictions.
Who Is Affected by the 2026 Travel Restrictions
Understanding whether these travel restrictions apply to you depends on several factors including your nationality, current visa status, and location.
For Visa Holders Currently in the US
If you hold a valid visa and are currently in the United States, you are not affected by the new proclamation. Your existing visa remains valid, and no visas issued before January 1, 2026 have been revoked.
For Those Outside the US Without Valid Visas
The restrictions apply specifically to foreign nationals who were outside the US on January 1, 2026 and did not hold a valid visa at that time. If you're from an affected country and need to travel to the US, you should consult with an immigration attorney immediately.
For Green Card Holders
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are generally exempt from the travel ban itself. However, new biometric requirements now apply to all green card holders at every entry and exit point. Those from the 19 fully banned countries may face additional scrutiny.
For Dual Nationals
Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-designated country may be exempt from the restrictions. However, you should carry documentation proving your other nationality when traveling.
New Biometric Requirements for All Travelers
Alongside the expanded travel ban, the Department of Homeland Security implemented mandatory biometric screening effective December 26, 2025.
- Photography Required: All non-US citizens photographed at every entry and exit point
- Applies Everywhere: Airports, land crossings, and seaports included
- Additional Screening: CBP may collect fingerprints and iris scans
- No Age Exemptions: Children under 14 and adults over 79 must comply
- 75-Year Retention: Photos stored permanently under DHS record rules
- Refusal Consequences: Non-compliance may result in denied entry or boarding
These measures aim to strengthen national security while modernizing border management through advanced identification technology.
How to Prepare for US Travel Under New Restrictions
Follow these steps to ensure smooth travel to the United States under the new regulations.
- Verify Your Country Status: Check if your nationality appears on either the full or partial ban lists before booking travel
- Confirm Visa Validity: Ensure your current visa was issued before January 1, 2026 if traveling from an affected country
- Prepare for Biometric Screening: Allow extra time at border crossings for mandatory photography and potential fingerprinting
- Update Your Passport Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements as biometric verification will compare your photo to your documents
- Check I-94 Records: Verify your travel record via the I-94 portal after each trip and correct errors promptly
- Carry Reentry Permits: Green card holders returning from trips longer than one year should obtain reentry permits
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for understanding the new travel restrictions implementation.
- December 16, 2025: White House issued Presidential Proclamation 10998 expanding travel restrictions
- December 26, 2025: New biometric entry-exit requirements took effect for all non-US citizens
- January 1, 2026, 12:01 AM EST: Expanded travel ban to 39 countries became effective
- Ongoing: Existing valid visas remain valid and will not be revoked under the proclamation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do These Travel Restrictions Affect My Existing Visa?
No. If you already hold a valid US visa issued before January 1, 2026, it remains valid. The proclamation explicitly states that existing visas will not be revoked. You may continue using your visa for travel to the United States.
Are Green Card Holders Banned from Entering the US?
No, lawful permanent residents are generally exempt from the travel ban itself. However, green card holders must now undergo mandatory biometric screening (photography, possibly fingerprints and iris scans) at every US border crossing. Those from fully banned countries may face additional security checks.
What Happens If I Refuse Biometric Screening?
Refusing to be photographed or provide biometric data may result in denied entry, denied boarding, or blocked departure verification. CBP officers have authority to deny travel to non-citizens who refuse to comply with biometric collection requirements.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Travel Ban?
Yes, limited exceptions exist. These include US permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on non-designated passports, athletes participating in major sporting events, and individuals whose travel serves the US national interest. Each exception requires proper documentation.
How Long Will My Biometric Data Be Stored?
Under current DHS record retention rules, photographs and other biometric data may be stored for up to 75 years. This data is verified against existing travel records through CBP's Traveler Verification Service.
What Travelers Need to Know Now
The January 2026 travel restrictions represent a major shift in US immigration policy affecting millions of potential travelers. With 39 countries now subject to full or partial bans and mandatory biometric screening for all non-citizens, advance preparation is essential for any US travel.
Before planning your trip, verify your country's status, confirm your visa validity, and ensure your travel documents—including your passport photo specifications—meet all current requirements. For travelers from affected countries, consulting with an immigration attorney before booking travel is strongly recommended. Stay informed as these policies may continue to evolve throughout 2026.