Major Travel Restrictions Now in Effect for November 2025
Several significant travel restrictions and border control changes took effect in October and November 2025, fundamentally changing how millions of travelers enter Europe and the United States. The EU's revolutionary Entry/Exit System (EES) launched October 12, 2025, requiring biometric registration for all non-EU travelers, while the US implemented stricter visa interview location requirements starting November 1, 2025.
Additionally, 19 countries remain under full or partial US travel restrictions that took effect in June 2025, affecting thousands of visa applicants worldwide. These changes represent the most comprehensive overhaul of international travel procedures in recent years.
EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Revolutionary Border Control Changes
The EU's new digital border system represents the biggest change to European travel in decades. Here's what travelers need to know:
- Launch Date: October 12, 2025 - phased rollout across all EU/Schengen borders
- Who's Affected: All non-EU nationals, including US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens
- Biometric Requirements: Facial image and fingerprints captured at border crossings, replacing manual passport stamps
- Data Storage: Information stored for 3 years in centralized EU database
- First-Time Registration: Initial entry and exit requires full biometric capture; subsequent crossings need only quick verification
- Rollout Timeline: 10% of borders by December 2025, 50% by January 2026, fully operational April 10, 2026
The Port of Dover began EES registration for coach passengers on October 12, with all other traffic processing starting November 1, 2025. Moreover, travelers should expect potential delays during the initial rollout period as border officials adapt to the new system.
US Visa Interview Location Requirements Tightened
Starting November 1, 2025, the US State Department implemented strict new rules limiting where immigrant visa applicants can interview. This change eliminates previous flexibility and significantly impacts applicants from certain countries.
For Immigrant Visa Applicants
You must now interview in your country of residence or nationality only. Third-country processing is no longer permitted except in specific exceptional circumstances. Additionally, this particularly affects applicants from countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela where US consular services are limited.
For Nonimmigrant Visa Renewals
Interview waiver eligibility rules updated October 1, 2025 now streamline the renewal process for qualifying applicants. You may renew certain nonimmigrant visas without an in-person interview if you meet specific criteria, saving time and travel costs.
For All Visa Categories
Expect higher fees, stricter processing rules, and longer wait times across all visa categories. Furthermore, the US plans to implement comprehensive biometric checks for all non-citizens starting December 26, 2025, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning at all entry and exit points.
Countries Under US Travel Restrictions - Current Status
The US travel restrictions that took effect June 9, 2025 remain in place, affecting nationals from 19 countries attempting to enter the United States.
- Full Travel Bans (12 Countries): Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), 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 (specific visa categories blocked including F and J visas)
- Valid Visa Exemption: Foreign nationals holding valid visas as of June 9, 2025 are not subject to restrictions
- Green Card Holders: Lawful permanent residents can still enter but face additional screening
- Potential Expansion: Reports indicate up to 36 additional countries, mostly in Africa, may be added unless certain benchmarks are met
How to Navigate New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure smooth international travel under the new restrictions:
- Check Your Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended travel dates - many countries enforce this strictly
- Verify Visa Requirements: Visit official embassy websites to confirm current visa requirements for your nationality and destination country
- Prepare for Biometric Registration: If traveling to the EU, plan extra time at borders for fingerprint and facial image capture during your first entry after October 12, 2025
- Schedule Visa Interviews Early: Book appointments well in advance due to increased processing times and new location restrictions (90+ days recommended)
- Update Your Documents: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements - the US implemented stricter ICAO biometric standards in October 2025
- Apply for REAL ID: US domestic travelers need REAL ID-compliant identification for flights starting May 7, 2025
- Register for Pre-Authorization Systems: Apply for UK ETA (required from January 8, 2025) or EU ETIAS (expected late 2026) if traveling to these regions
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Changes
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with new travel requirements:
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched - biometric registration begins at select borders
- November 1, 2025: US immigrant visa interview location restrictions take effect; Port of Dover processes all traffic through EES
- December 26, 2025: Comprehensive biometric checks mandatory for all non-citizens entering/exiting the US
- January 8, 2026: UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) becomes mandatory for travelers from 48 countries including the US
- January 2026: 50% of EU border points operational with EES biometric processing
- April 10, 2026: EU EES system becomes fully operational at all borders processing all passengers
- Late 2026: EU ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) expected to launch, requiring €7 pre-authorization for visa-exempt travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Register for EU EES Every Time I Visit Europe?
No, you only need to complete full biometric registration on your first entry and first exit after October 12, 2025. Subsequent trips require only quick verification of your existing EES record, which remains valid for 3 years or until your passport expires. However, if you get a new passport, you'll need to register again with the new document.
Can I Still Use My Valid US Visa if I'm From a Banned Country?
Yes, the Presidential Proclamation specifically exempts foreign nationals who held valid visas as of June 9, 2025. Your existing visa remains valid and you can travel to the US, though you should expect additional screening at the border. Additionally, green card holders (lawful permanent residents) from these countries can still enter but may face enhanced vetting procedures.
What Happens if I Need a US Visa Interview But Can't Travel to My Home Country?
Under the new November 1, 2025 rules, you must interview in your country of residence or nationality. If exceptional circumstances prevent this, contact the US embassy immediately to request a waiver. Approval is granted on a case-by-case basis and requires substantial documentation. Furthermore, processing times for waiver requests can add 30-60 days to your application timeline.
Will the EU EES Cause Long Delays at Borders?
Initially, yes - expect longer processing times during the phased rollout through April 2026. The EU estimates first-time registration takes approximately 3 minutes per traveler. However, major crossings like the Port of Dover and airports are implementing additional staffing and technology to minimize disruptions. Travel during off-peak hours when possible and arrive earlier than normal to accommodate potential delays.
What Travelers Need to Know Right Now
The landscape of international travel has changed dramatically with these November 2025 updates. The EU's biometric Entry/Exit System alone affects over 400 million annual border crossings, while US visa interview restrictions impact thousands of applicants monthly. Additionally, the ongoing travel bans for 19 countries continue to affect families, students, and business travelers seeking US entry.
To avoid disruption to your travel plans, act now: verify your passport meets current photo requirements, schedule visa interviews well in advance accounting for new location restrictions, and plan extra time at EU borders for biometric registration. Furthermore, if you're planning to apply for a visa or travel internationally, check whether your destination requires pre-authorization systems like the UK ETA or ensure your passport photo meets the latest ICAO biometric standards to avoid application delays.