Travel Restrictions Updates December 2025: What You Need to Know
Travel restrictions updates for December 2025 have brought sweeping changes affecting millions of international travelers. The United States has announced an expansion of its travel ban to over 30 countries, with mandatory biometric collection beginning December 26, 2025.
These policy changes follow the November 26, 2025 shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., prompting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to recommend significant immigration restrictions. Additionally, the EU's Entry/Exit System is now operational across Schengen borders.
Key Travel Restriction Changes for December 2025
Here are the most significant travel restrictions updates affecting international travelers this month:
- US Travel Ban Expansion: The ban now affects 30+ countries, up from 19 previously listed nations
- Biometric Collection: All non-US citizens must provide facial recognition data starting December 26, 2025
- EU Entry/Exit System: Schengen area borders now require biometric registration for all non-EU nationals
- UK ETA Requirement: US citizens must obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (£16) before traveling to the UK
- H-1B Visa Changes: Social media review mandatory for all applicants as of December 15, 2025
- Asylum Freeze: Over 1.4 million pending asylum applications suspended indefinitely
The U.S. Travel Association estimates these restrictions could result in a potential $780 million hit to inbound tourism if they last through February 2026.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The December 2025 travel restrictions impact several categories of travelers differently. Understanding which group applies to you is essential for planning international trips.
For Citizens of Banned Countries
12 countries face complete US entry bans: Afghanistan, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. All visa categories are suspended for nationals of these countries.
For Green Card Holders
Starting December 26, 2025, lawful permanent residents must submit to facial recognition photography when entering or departing the United States. Refusing biometric collection may result in denied entry or boarding. Previous exemptions for green card holders no longer apply.
For Visa Holders and Tourists
All non-citizens including visa holders, tourists, students, and temporary workers must provide biometric data at US entry points. Visitors should plan extra time at checkpoints and carry all valid travel documents.
For H-1B Workers
Beginning December 15, 2025, all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must set their social media profiles to public. Consular officers will review LinkedIn, employment history, and online activity as part of the visa application process.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure you meet all new travel restriction requirements:
- Check Your Country Status: Verify whether your nationality is on the expanded travel ban list before booking any US travel
- Update Travel Documents: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and meets biometric passport photo requirements
- Apply for UK ETA: US citizens must obtain Electronic Travel Authorization at least 3 working days before UK travel (cost: £16)
- Prepare for Biometric Collection: Allow extra time at US borders after December 26 for facial recognition processing
- Review Social Media Settings: H-1B applicants should ensure LinkedIn and social profiles are public and accurate
- Consult Immigration Counsel: If you have any interactions with law enforcement on record, seek legal advice before traveling
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for travel restrictions updates:
- December 15, 2025: H-1B social media screening begins; expected announcement of expanded travel ban country list
- December 16, 2025: UK Immigration Skills Charge increases to £1,320/year for medium and large sponsors
- December 26, 2025: US mandatory biometric collection begins for all non-citizens at entry and exit points
- January 8, 2025: UK ETA requirement already in effect for US, Canadian, and non-European passport holders
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System expected to be fully operational at all Schengen border crossings
EU Entry/Exit System Requirements
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on October 12, 2025 and is now collecting biometric data across Schengen borders. This affects all non-EU citizens entering for short stays.
What's collected: Border officers will scan fingerprints and take a facial photo for all travelers aged 12 and older. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint requirements. Biometric data is retained for 3 years following entry, or 5 years if you overstay.
The system covers 29 European countries including all EU members except Cyprus and Ireland, plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. By April 2026, manual passport stamping will end completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the US in December 2025?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and travel purpose. Citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can still use ESTA for short visits, but must now provide biometric data upon arrival. Citizens from banned countries cannot enter the US under any visa category.
How Long Will US Biometric Data Be Retained?
According to new DHS guidelines, biometric data including facial recognition photos, fingerprints, and iris scans may be retained for up to 75 years. This applies to all non-citizens including green card holders and tourists.
Can I Transit Through the UK Without an ETA?
No. Since January 8, 2025, US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization even for airport transit without leaving the secured area. The ETA costs £16, is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple trips to the UK.
What Happens If I Refuse Biometric Collection?
Refusing to provide biometric data at US entry points may result in denied entry or boarding. There are no longer exemptions for diplomats, Canadian travelers, or children under 14. All non-citizens must comply with the new requirements.
Are These Travel Restrictions Permanent?
The current travel restrictions were implemented through executive action and could potentially be modified or extended. However, travelers should assume these requirements will remain in effect for the foreseeable future and plan accordingly.
What You Need to Know Before Traveling
The December 2025 travel restrictions updates represent some of the most significant immigration policy changes in recent years. With expanded travel bans, mandatory biometric collection, and new EU border requirements, international travelers face a more complex landscape than ever before.
Before any international trip, verify your passport photo meets current requirements and all documentation is in order. VisaPics can help ensure your passport photos and visa application photos comply with the latest specifications for over 950 document types across 172 countries. Check our visa photo requirements tool to confirm your photos meet official government standards.