Major Travel Restrictions Updates for December 2025
Travel restrictions updates for December 2025 bring sweeping changes that affect millions of international travelers worldwide. The United States announced a significant expansion of its travel ban to over 30 countries, while the European Union's biometric Entry/Exit System now requires fingerprint and facial scans from all non-EU visitors.
These changes come during peak holiday travel season, disrupting family reunions and business trips across multiple continents. Here's everything you need to know about navigating these new requirements.
US Travel Ban Expansion: Key Changes in December 2025
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on December 6, 2025 that the administration will expand the travel ban from 19 to over 30 countries.
- Current total: 19 countries face full or partial travel restrictions under Proclamation 10949
- Expansion target: 30-32 countries expected once the full list is announced
- Afghan visa processing: Suspended effective December 2, 2025
- Green card review: All approvals from banned countries since January 2021 under reexamination
- Asylum cases: Decision processing paused for all nationalities pending policy review
The expansion focuses on governments lacking biometric passports, failing to share criminal data, or harboring active terror networks. The Council on Foreign Relations reports this represents the largest single expansion of US travel restrictions in recent history.
Countries Currently Affected by the US Travel Ban
Understanding which nations face restrictions is crucial for your visa application planning.
Full Travel Ban (12 Countries)
Citizens from these nations cannot obtain US visas: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Partial Restrictions (7 Countries)
These nations face immigrant visa caps and extended B-1/B-2 visitor visa processing: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Expected Additions
According to CNN, DHS recommends adding 10-12 additional nations, though the official list awaits announcement by December 15, 2025.
EU Biometric Entry/Exit System: What Travelers Must Know
The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on October 12, 2025 and is now actively collecting biometric data at borders.
- Who's affected: All non-EU citizens visiting Schengen Area countries for stays up to 90 days
- Biometrics required: Fingerprints (4 fingers) and facial photograph
- Children under 12: Facial scan only, no fingerprints required
- Data retention: Information stored for 3 years
- Replaces: Traditional passport stamps with digital records
The official EU EES portal confirms that by April 2026, all border points must process 100% of eligible travelers through the system.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your international travel goes smoothly.
- Check your passport validity: Ensure it's valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and meets passport photo requirements
- Verify your nationality status: Confirm whether your country faces US restrictions or requires additional documentation
- Apply for UK ETA if needed: US citizens visiting the UK must obtain a £10 Electronic Travel Authorization before departure
- Allow extra time at EU borders: First-time EES registration takes 5-10 minutes; plan for longer queues during initial rollout
- Update travel documents: Ensure your visa application materials include compliant biometric passport photos
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for travel restrictions updates in December 2025 and beyond.
- December 2, 2025: US suspended all Afghan visa and immigration processing
- December 6, 2025: DHS Secretary announced travel ban expansion to 30+ countries
- December 15, 2025: Full list of newly banned countries expected from DHS
- December 26, 2025: US begins biometric collection for all non-citizens at entry/exit
- April 10, 2026: EU EES must be fully operational at all border points
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel to the US if my country is on the banned list?
Citizens of fully banned countries cannot currently obtain US visas. Those from partially restricted countries may apply but face extended processing times and potential denials. Check with your nearest US embassy for case-specific guidance.
What documents do I need for the EU Entry/Exit System?
You need a valid biometric passport with a machine-readable zone. No separate application is required—registration happens automatically at the border. Ensure your passport photo meets current visa specifications before travel.
How long will EU biometric data be stored?
The EES stores your fingerprints and facial scan for 3 years. If you travel to the Schengen Area within this period, subsequent entries require only verification rather than new registration.
Do US green card holders face new restrictions?
Green card holders from the 19 currently restricted countries face reexamination of their cases. Additionally, starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens including green card holders will have biometric photos taken at US entry and exit points.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
December 2025 marks a significant shift in global travel restrictions, with the US expanding its ban to over 30 countries and the EU's biometric system now actively processing travelers. These changes affect holiday plans, family reunifications, and business travel across dozens of nations.
Before booking any international travel, verify your eligibility and documentation requirements. Ensure your passport photo meets official requirements—VisaPics can help you create compliant photos for any country's visa application. Stay informed about updates as the December 15 deadline approaches for the full US travel ban country list announcement.
Sources: - [CNN Politics - DHS Travel Ban Expansion](https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/politics/dhs-travel-ban-countries) - [Council on Foreign Relations - Travel Ban Guide](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [EU Entry/Exit System Official Portal](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees) - [CNBC - Travel Ban to 30+ Countries](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/06/trump-administration-will-expand-travel-ban-to-more-than-30-countries.html) - [NPR - Immigration Halt from 19 Nations](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/03/g-s1-100218/trump-administration-halts-immigration-19-nations)