December 2025 Travel Restrictions: What's Changing Now
Travel restrictions updates for December 2025 bring the most significant changes to US immigration policy in years. The Trump administration announced an expansion of its travel ban to over 30 countries, new biometric requirements effective December 26, and a complete pause on green card applications from 19 nations.
These sweeping changes follow a tragic incident in Washington, D.C., where an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard members. The administration's response affects millions of travelers, immigrants, and visa applicants worldwide.
US Travel Ban Expansion: 30+ Countries Now Affected
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on December 2, 2025, that the travel ban will expand from 19 to 30-32 countries.
- Current total restrictions (12 countries): Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen
- Partial restrictions (7 countries): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela
- Expansion coming: 10-12 additional countries expected to be added by mid-December 2025
- Exemptions available: Dual nationals, lawful permanent residents, immediate family members, and 2026 World Cup participants
The Department of Homeland Security stated it would announce the complete list of newly banned countries "soon." Internal State Department cables previously indicated 36 additional countries were under consideration.
New Biometric Entry-Exit Requirements Starting December 26
A landmark DHS final rule takes effect on December 26, 2025, requiring biometric collection from all non-citizens at US borders.
- Who's affected: All non-citizens including green card holders at airports, land ports, and seaports
- Previous exemptions removed: Children under 14, adults over 79, diplomats, and Canadian visitors now included
- Primary biometric: Facial recognition photos, with fingerprints and iris scans possible
- Non-compliance consequence: Denied boarding or entry to the United States
- Data retention: Non-citizen photos stored for up to 75 years in DHS Biometric Identity Management System
US citizens may voluntarily participate but can opt out by notifying a CBP officer. Full implementation across all ports of entry is expected within 3-5 years.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions Updates
These December 2025 travel restrictions create different impacts depending on your immigration status and nationality.
For Nationals of 19 Banned Countries
All pending immigration applications—including green cards, asylum claims, and naturalization—are paused indefinitely. USCIS will conduct comprehensive re-reviews and potential re-interviews of all immigrants from these countries who entered the US after January 20, 2021.
For Green Card Holders
Starting December 26, 2025, all green card holders must submit to biometric screening upon entry and exit. Additionally, USCIS announced it will reexamine all green cards issued to nationals from the 19 banned countries.
For Afghan Nationals
The State Department has halted all visa issuance for Afghan passport holders immediately. This affects tourist visas, student visas, and immigrant visa applications alike.
For All Legal Immigrants
Work authorization periods have been reduced from 5 years to 18 months as of December 4, 2025. This affects employment authorization document (EAD) renewals across all visa categories.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with the latest travel restrictions updates.
- Check your country status: Verify whether your nationality is on the current or expanded travel ban list at travel.state.gov
- Review your visa validity: Ensure your visa was issued before June 9, 2025, and remains valid for travel
- Prepare for biometric screening: Allow extra time at ports of entry for facial recognition processing starting December 26
- Update your passport photo: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for biometric matching accuracy
- Consult an immigration attorney: If you're from a banned country with pending applications, seek legal advice immediately
- Check application status: Monitor your USCIS case status for any pause notifications or re-interview requests
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for upcoming travel restrictions changes.
- November 29, 2025: All USCIS asylum approvals, denials, and closures halted indefinitely
- December 3, 2025: Green card and immigration pause announced for 19 countries
- December 4, 2025: Work authorization reduced to 18 months for all legal immigrants
- December 15, 2025 (estimated): Full list of 30+ banned countries expected to be announced
- December 26, 2025: Biometric entry-exit system becomes mandatory for all non-citizens nationwide
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry-Exit System (EES) fully operational across all Schengen borders
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the travel ban affect people already in the US?
Yes, the ban now affects immigrants from 19 countries who are already in the US. All pending applications for green cards, asylum, naturalization, and other immigration benefits are paused. USCIS may require re-interviews for those who entered after January 20, 2021.
Can green card holders refuse biometric screening?
No. Starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens including green card holders must submit to biometric collection. Refusing may result in denied entry. Only US citizens can opt out of biometric screening.
Are there any exemptions to the travel ban?
Limited exemptions exist for dual nationals traveling on non-banned passports, certain lawful permanent residents, immediate family members of US citizens, and specific humanitarian cases. Athletes participating in the 2026 World Cup are also exempt.
How long will the immigration application pause last?
There is no announced end date. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow has sole discretion on when to lift the pause. The agency stated it would create a prioritized review list within 90 days.
What should I do if my visa application is affected?
Contact an immigration attorney immediately if you're from one of the 19 banned countries. Avoid international travel if you have pending applications. Monitor official USCIS and State Department announcements for updates.
What These Travel Restrictions Mean for You
December 2025 marks a historic shift in US immigration enforcement. The combination of expanded travel bans, mandatory biometrics, and application pauses creates unprecedented challenges for international travelers and immigrants. Those from affected countries should prepare for extended processing delays and potential re-vetting.
Before traveling internationally, ensure all your documentation is current and compliant. Your visa photo must meet official specifications for biometric matching systems to work properly. Consider using VisaPics to verify your passport and visa photos meet the latest requirements before any international travel.
Sources: - [CNN Politics - DHS recommends travel ban list include at least 10 more countries](https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/politics/dhs-travel-ban-countries) - [NPR - Trump administration halts immigration from 19 nations](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/03/g-s1-100218/trump-administration-halts-immigration-19-nations) - [Council on Foreign Relations - Guide to Countries on Trump's 2025 Travel Ban List](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [CBP - DHS announces Final Rule to advance Biometric Entry/Exit Program](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/dhs-announces-final-rule-advance-biometric-entry/exit-program) - [ABC News - US pauses pending green card applications from 19 countries](https://abcnews.go.com/US/us-pauses-pending-green-card-applications-19-countries/story?id=128074898) - [US News - US Widens Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries](https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-12-04/us-expanding-list-of-countries-on-travel-ban-to-more-than-30-noem-says)