December 2025 Travel Restrictions: Major Changes Now in Effect
Travel restrictions updates for December 2025 bring sweeping changes that affect millions of international travelers. The United States is expanding its travel ban from 19 to over 30 countries, mandatory biometric collection begins December 26, and the EU's Entry/Exit System is now processing travelers at European borders.
These changes come amid heightened security concerns following a late November incident in Washington, DC. Travelers planning international trips must understand these new requirements before booking their journeys.
US Travel Ban Expansion: Key Changes for December 2025
The Department of Homeland Security has recommended expanding the current travel restrictions significantly.
- Current ban covers 19 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela
- Expansion to 30-32 countries: Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the administration will add "high-risk or non-cooperating" states to the list
- Processing freeze in effect: USCIS has paused all immigration applications for nationals from the 19 restricted countries
- Green card review: All green cards issued to people from restricted countries are being reexamined
- December 15 announcement expected: The expanded country list is anticipated by mid-December
The CNBC report notes that airlines serving West Africa and the Middle East have already seen a spike in cancellations. The U.S. Travel Association estimates a potential $780 million impact on inbound tourism if restrictions continue through February.
Who Is Affected by US Travel Restrictions
These travel restrictions impact several categories of travelers and immigrants already in the United States.
For Citizens of Restricted Countries
Nationals from the 19 banned countries face an immediate freeze on all immigration processing. This includes green card applications (I-485), naturalization ceremonies, and asylum decisions. If you're from one of these countries, consult an immigration attorney immediately.
For Current Visa Holders
H-1B, F-1, and other visa holders from restricted countries should avoid international travel. Re-entry to the US may be denied even with valid documentation. Keep your passport photo and visa documents current in case emergency travel becomes necessary.
For Green Card Holders
Permanent residents from the 19 restricted countries should be aware their status is under review. USCIS has announced it will reexamine green cards issued to individuals from these nations. Travel outside the US during this period carries significant risk.
US Biometric Requirements: What Changes December 26
Starting December 26, 2025, CBP will collect facial biometrics from all non-citizens entering and exiting the United States.
- Understand who must comply: All non-citizens including green card holders, visa holders, tourists, and students must provide facial biometrics
- Previous exemptions removed: Diplomats, Canadian travelers, and children under 14 no longer have exemptions
- Data retention period: Biometric records will be stored for up to 75 years in the DHS Biometric Identity Management System
- Refusal consequences: Declining to provide biometrics may result in denied boarding or denial of entry
- US citizens can opt out: American citizens may request manual passport inspection instead of facial scanning
EU Entry/Exit System: Biometric Border Checks Now Active
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched October 12, 2025, and is now processing travelers at European borders.
- December 2025: Border points are actively collecting fingerprints and facial images from non-EU travelers
- 29 countries participating: All Schengen Area nations plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein
- First-time registration: Your initial entry requires fingerprints and facial scan at a border kiosk
- Children under 12: Require facial scan only, no fingerprints needed
- Processing delays expected: Officials postponed Dover tourist checks until after Christmas to avoid major queues
Americans can still visit Europe visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, you must now register in the EES system upon arrival. Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements before traveling.
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for travel restrictions and policy changes.
- December 5, 2025: EAD validity reduced from 5 years to 18 months for new applications
- December 15, 2025: Social media screening required for H-1B, F, M, and J visa applicants
- December 15, 2025: Expected announcement of expanded US travel ban country list
- December 16, 2025: UK Immigration Skills Charge increases take effect
- December 26, 2025: US biometric collection begins for all non-citizens at entry/exit points
- January 2026: Half of EU border points should be processing EES with biometrics
- April 10, 2026: EU EES system fully operational at all borders
How to Prepare for New Travel Restrictions
Follow these steps to ensure smooth international travel during this period of heightened restrictions.
- Check your nationality status: Verify whether your country of citizenship is on the current or proposed travel ban list before booking any travel
- Update travel documents: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and your passport photo meets specifications for your destination
- Set social media to public: If applying for US visas (H-1B, F, M, J categories), your social media profiles must be publicly accessible as of December 15
- Arrive early at airports: Allow 3+ hours for international flights, especially at European airports implementing EES
- Consult immigration attorneys: If you're from a restricted country or have pending applications, seek professional legal advice immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel to the US if I'm from a banned country?
Citizens from the 12 countries with full bans (Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen) are prohibited from entering the US. Those from the 7 countries with partial restrictions may be barred from specific visa categories including student (F) and exchange (J) visas.
Do green card holders need to provide biometrics?
Yes. Starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens including lawful permanent residents must provide facial biometrics when entering and exiting the US. The previous exemption for green card holders has been removed.
Will the EU EES system cause travel delays?
Initial delays are expected, particularly during the rollout phase through April 2026. Officials recommend arriving at airports 3 hours before international flights. The UK has postponed Dover tourist EES checks until after Christmas specifically to avoid holiday travel disruptions.
What happens if I refuse biometric collection?
In the US, refusing to provide biometrics may result in denied boarding or denial of entry for non-citizens. US citizens can opt out and undergo manual passport inspection. In the EU, travelers cannot enter the Schengen Area without completing EES registration.
What You Need to Know About Travel Restrictions December 2025
December 2025 marks a significant turning point in international travel policy. The US is tightening entry requirements with expanded travel bans and mandatory biometric collection, while Europe's new border system adds another layer of documentation requirements. Travelers must stay informed and prepare documentation well in advance.
Before any international trip, verify your eligibility to enter your destination country and ensure all visa photo requirements are met. VisaPics provides compliant passport and visa photos for over 950 document specifications worldwide, helping you meet the exact requirements for your destination country.
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) - [CNBC - Trump administration will expand travel ban to more than 30 countries](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/06/trump-administration-will-expand-travel-ban-to-more-than-30-countries.html) - [CBP - DHS announces Final Rule to advance the Biometric Entry/Exit Program](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/dhs-announces-final-rule-advance-biometric-entry/exit-program) - [EU Travel Europe - Entry/Exit System (EES)](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees) - [Council on Foreign Relations - A Guide to the Countries on Trump's 2025 Travel Ban List](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [Fragomen - 2025 Holiday Travel Guidelines for Foreign Nationals](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-2025-holiday-travel-guidelines-for-foreign-nationals.html)