Major Travel Restrictions Updates Reshape International Travel in 2026
Travel restrictions updates in January 2026 have dramatically altered the landscape for international travelers and immigrants. The United States has more than doubled its travel ban from 19 to 39 countries, while the UK prepares to enforce new Electronic Travel Authorization requirements starting February 25, 2026.
These sweeping changes, implemented through Presidential Proclamation 10998, took effect at 12:01 AM ET on January 1, 2026. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security has paused immigration applications from 20 countries, affecting visa, green card, citizenship, and asylum applications dating back to 2021.
US Travel Ban: 39 Countries Now Affected by Visa Restrictions
The expanded travel restrictions represent the most significant visa policy change in recent years. Here's what travelers need to know about the affected countries:
- Full Visa Suspension (19 countries): 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
- Palestinian Authority: Individuals traveling with Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents face complete visa suspension
- Partial Visa Suspension (20 countries): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Visa Types Affected: B visas (visitors), F visas (academic students), M visas (vocational students), and J visas (exchange visitors) are suspended for partially restricted countries
The proclamation removes several exemptions that existed in the June 2025 travel ban, including categorical exceptions for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, adoptions, and Afghan Special Immigrant Visas.
Who Is Affected by the New Travel Restrictions
Understanding whether you're affected by these travel restrictions updates is crucial for planning any international travel or immigration applications.
For Current Visa Holders
If you hold a valid visa issued before January 1, 2026, you may continue to use it for travel to the United States. No visas issued before the proclamation effective date will be revoked. However, you should verify your visa status before making travel arrangements.
For New Visa Applicants
Nationals from affected countries who were outside the US on January 1, 2026, and did not hold a valid visa face significant barriers. Case-by-case exceptions may be granted by the Secretary of State or Secretary of Homeland Security if travel serves U.S. national interest.
For Green Card and Citizenship Applicants
The DHS has paused review of all pending applications for visas, green cards, citizenship, or asylum from immigrants from 20 additional countries. Applications dating back to 2021 will undergo re-review for enhanced vetting.
How to Check Your Travel Eligibility – Step by Step
Before planning international travel, follow these steps to verify your eligibility:
- Verify your nationality: Determine if your country of citizenship appears on the full or partial suspension list
- Check your current visa status: If you have a valid visa issued before January 1, 2026, confirm it remains valid for your intended travel dates
- Review visa type restrictions: For partially restricted countries, confirm your visa category (B, F, M, J) is not affected
- Prepare required documents: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements and all documentation is up to date
- Apply for exceptions if needed: Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate to request a case-by-case exception if you believe your travel serves national interest
UK Electronic Travel Authorization: New Requirement for Americans
Travelers from 85 countries, including the United States, must now obtain advance permission before traveling to the United Kingdom.
- Enforcement Date: February 25, 2026 – travelers without an approved ETA will not be allowed to board their transport
- Cost: £16 (approximately $21 USD) per application
- Validity: Two years or until passport expires, whichever comes first
- Processing Time: Most decisions within minutes, but apply at least three working days before departure
- Stay Duration: Up to six months per visit under the ETA
Airlines will be legally required to verify ETA approval before allowing passengers to board. Those arriving at airports without an ETA will be denied boarding at check-in or the gate.
Important Dates and Timeline for 2026 Travel Changes
Mark these critical dates for upcoming travel restrictions updates:
- January 1, 2026: US expanded travel ban took effect for 39 countries plus Palestinian Authority documents
- January 2, 2026: DHS announced pause on immigration applications from 20 additional countries
- February 25, 2026: UK begins enforcing ETA requirement for visitors from 85 countries including Americans
- Late 2026: EU ETIAS system expected to launch for 30 European countries (€20 fee, valid 3 years)
- 180-Day Reviews: US travel ban policy will be reviewed every 180 days, with countries potentially added or removed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Travel to the US With an Existing Visa?
Yes, if you hold a valid visa issued before January 1, 2026, you may continue using it for travel. The proclamation only applies to foreign nationals outside the US on the effective date who did not have a valid visa at that time. No previously issued visas have been revoked.
What Happens to Pending Green Card Applications?
USCIS has paused review of all pending applications for visas, green cards, citizenship, or asylum from immigrants from 20 affected countries. The agency will also re-review applications dating back to 2021. Exceptions exist for athletes and team members competing in the World Cup and Olympics.
Do I Need an ETA to Transit Through the UK?
It depends on your route. If you take connecting flights and pass through UK passport control, you need an ETA. However, travelers transiting through Heathrow and Manchester airports who do not go through UK passport control do not currently need an ETA.
What Travelers Need to Know Now
These travel restrictions updates represent significant changes to international travel policies. Travelers should check their eligibility well in advance of any planned trips and ensure all documentation, including valid passport photos, meets current requirements.
Whether you're applying for a new visa, planning a trip to the UK, or checking your status under the expanded US travel ban, preparation is essential. Visit our passport photo requirements section to ensure your travel documents are compliant with the latest specifications before submitting any visa application.
--- Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Visa News](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-visa-issuance-to-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states.html) - [NPR - DHS Pauses Immigration Applications](https://www.npr.org/2026/01/02/g-s1-104284/dhs-pause-immigration-applications-20-countries) - [Fragomen - Travel Ban Expanded](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-travel-ban-expanded-and-revised-effective-january-1-2026.html) - [NAFSA - Proclamation Details](https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/proclamation-december-16-2025-travel-ban-effective-january-1-2026) - [Euronews - UK ETA Requirements](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/11/24/no-permission-no-travel-uk-to-enforce-new-digital-travel-permit-rules-from-february-2026)