Travel Restrictions Updates December 2025: What's Changed
Travel restrictions updates for December 2025 bring significant changes that affect millions of international travelers. The United States has dramatically expanded its travel ban to include 39 countries, with new rules taking effect January 1, 2026. These sweeping changes impact roughly 20% of all nations worldwide.
Additionally, new biometric collection requirements begin December 26, 2025, affecting all non-citizens entering the United States. Whether you're planning holiday travel or a 2026 trip, understanding these changes is essential for avoiding travel disruptions.
US Travel Ban Expansion: Key Changes for 2025-2026
Presidential Proclamation 10998, signed on December 16, 2025, more than doubles the number of countries affected by travel restrictions.
- Full travel bans now apply to: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen
- Palestinian Authority passport holders: Now included under full travel ban restrictions
- Partial restrictions expanded to: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Turkmenistan improvement: Nonimmigrant visa ban lifted due to productive engagement with US, though immigrant visa suspension remains
- Overall impact: Restrictions now cover over 60% of African countries
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, roughly 1 in 5 people seeking to immigrate to the United States legally are now barred from doing so. Hundreds of thousands more seeking nonimmigrant visas for temporary visits will also be unable to obtain them.
Who Is Affected By These Travel Restrictions
The December 2025 travel restrictions updates impact various categories of travelers differently. Understanding your status is critical before making travel plans.
For Nationals of Banned Countries
If you hold a passport from a country under full travel ban, you cannot obtain new US visas or enter the country. However, those who already had valid visas before January 1, 2026 may still be permitted entry. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are exempt from these restrictions.
For Nationals of Partially Restricted Countries
Travelers from countries under partial restrictions face enhanced vetting and may experience significant visa processing delays. Some visa categories may require bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Visa validity periods have been reduced to as little as 3 months for certain nationalities.
For All Non-US Citizens
Starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens must provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) when entering the United States. Refusing to provide biometrics may result in denied boarding or entry denial. US citizens can opt out and undergo manual passport inspection instead.
How to Prepare for New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your international travel goes smoothly under the new requirements:
- Check your country's status: Visit the official White House fact sheet to determine if your nationality is affected by full or partial restrictions
- Verify visa validity: If you have an existing US visa, confirm it was issued before January 1, 2026, and remains valid for your travel dates
- Prepare for biometrics: Plan extra time at airports and ports of entry for mandatory biometric collection starting December 26
- Gather required documents: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements and all travel documents are up to date
- Consult an immigration attorney: If you're from an affected country or have had any law enforcement interactions, seek legal advice before traveling
- Check for visa waiver program changes: Be aware that proposed rules may require 5 years of social media history for ESTA applicants
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay ahead of travel restrictions changes:
- December 26, 2025: Mandatory biometric collection begins for all non-citizens entering the US
- January 1, 2026 (12:01 AM EST): Expanded travel ban takes full effect for all 39 countries
- January 8, 2025: UK ETA required for all Americans traveling to or transiting through United Kingdom
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launches for 29 European countries
- Q4 2026: EU ETIAS travel authorization system expected to launch
- February 25, 2026: UK ETA becomes strictly mandatory - travelers without it cannot board
Other Global Travel Requirements for 2025
Beyond US restrictions, several other countries have implemented new entry requirements travelers must know about.
United Kingdom ETA
Since January 8, 2025, all American travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter or transit through the UK. The ETA costs £16, is valid for up to 2 years, and most applications receive automatic approval within minutes. Apply at gov.uk/eta or through the UK ETA app.
European Union Entry/Exit System
Starting October 12, 2025, the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) requires fingerprint and facial image collection for travelers entering 29 European countries. This applies to both visa holders and visa-exempt travelers like Americans. No fee is required, but expect longer processing times at borders initially.
Canada eTA Updates
Canada revised visitor visa policies on May 7, 2025, with new cancellation authority for eTAs and temporary visas. US citizens still don't need a visa for visits under 180 days. The eTA remains valid for 5 years and costs CAD $7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do travel restrictions apply if I already have a valid US visa?
If you received your visa before January 1, 2026, you may still be permitted to travel and enter the United States. However, the ban applies to nationals who are outside the US without a valid visa as of the effective date. Always verify your specific situation with an immigration attorney before traveling.
What exceptions exist for the US travel ban?
The proclamation includes categorical exceptions for lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on passports from non-designated countries, asylees, refugees, diplomatic visa holders, and athletes participating in the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. Specific humanitarian exceptions may also apply on a case-by-case basis.
Can I travel to Europe without ETIAS in 2025?
Yes, ETIAS is not required until late 2026. However, starting October 2025, you'll need to provide biometric data through the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) when entering Schengen Area countries. No additional fee or pre-registration is required for EES.
How do I know if my country has travel restrictions?
Check the complete list of affected countries maintained by immigration experts. Countries are categorized as having full bans, partial restrictions, or visa bond requirements. The situation can change, so verify before making travel plans.
What You Need to Know Before Traveling
These travel restrictions updates represent the most significant changes to US immigration policy in years. With 39 countries now under some form of travel restriction and new biometric requirements affecting everyone, planning ahead is more important than ever. The expanded ban affects over 60% of African nations and impacts millions of potential travelers worldwide.
Before your next trip, ensure your travel documents are current and your passport photo specifications meet the latest requirements. Processing times for visas from affected countries may increase significantly, so apply well in advance. Stay informed about changes by bookmarking official government resources and consulting with immigration professionals if you have any concerns about your travel eligibility.