Travel Restrictions Updates December 2025: Major Changes Affecting International Travelers
Travel restrictions updates for December 2025 bring sweeping changes as the US expands its travel ban to 30+ countries and implements mandatory biometric collection starting December 26. These developments follow the tragic shooting of National Guard members in Washington, DC on November 26, 2025.
Simultaneously, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) continues its phased rollout across Schengen borders, while the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement remains in effect for American travelers. Here's everything you need to know about these critical travel restriction changes.
Key Travel Restriction Changes in December 2025
Multiple countries are implementing significant changes to their entry requirements this month.
- US Travel Ban Expansion: DHS recommends expanding from 19 to 30-32 countries, with announcement expected by mid-December
- US Biometric Entry-Exit System: Mandatory facial recognition for all non-citizens begins December 26, 2025
- USCIS Processing Freeze: All pending applications from 19 banned countries paused for retroactive review back to 2021
- EU EES Rollout: Biometric checks now active at increasing number of Schengen borders through April 2026
- UK ETA Enforcement: Americans must have Electronic Travel Authorization; strict enforcement begins February 2026
These combined changes represent the most significant shift in international travel requirements since the COVID-19 pandemic. Travelers should verify their documentation well before departure.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The December 2025 travel restriction updates impact several distinct groups of travelers differently.
For Citizens of Banned Countries
Nationals from the 19 currently restricted countries—Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face immediate impacts. All pending green card, citizenship, and asylum applications are frozen pending retroactive review.
For All Non-US Citizens Entering America
Starting December 26, 2025, every non-citizen must provide biometric data (facial photograph) when entering or leaving the United States. This includes green card holders, visa holders, and visitors. Biometric records will be stored for up to 75 years.
For Americans Traveling to Europe and the UK
US citizens visiting Schengen countries must register in the EU Entry/Exit System with fingerprints and facial scans. For UK travel, the £16 ETA is mandatory. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements before applying for these authorizations.
How to Prepare for New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure smooth international travel during this period of heightened restrictions.
- Check your passport validity: Ensure at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates and sufficient blank pages
- Verify your visa status: Confirm current visas are valid; consult an immigration attorney if you're from an affected country
- Apply for UK ETA: Download the UK ETA app and apply at least 3 working days before travel (costs £16)
- Prepare for EU biometrics: Allow extra time at Schengen borders for fingerprint and facial scanning
- Get compliant passport photos: Use VisaPics to ensure your photos meet exact specifications for visa applications
- Keep documentation accessible: Carry proof of accommodation, return tickets, and financial means
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for December 2025 and early 2026 travel restrictions:
- December 2, 2025: Afghan visa processing suspended; DHS announces travel ban expansion recommendation
- Mid-December 2025: Full list of 30+ banned countries expected to be announced
- December 26, 2025: US biometric entry-exit system begins at airports
- January 2026: Half of EU border points operating EES biometric system
- February 25, 2026: UK ETA strict enforcement begins—no boarding without authorization
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System fully operational at all Schengen borders
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are on the US travel ban list in December 2025?
Currently 19 countries face full or partial restrictions: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen (full ban), plus Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela (partial restrictions). DHS has recommended expanding this to 30-32 countries.
Do green card holders need to provide biometrics under the new US rules?
Yes. Starting December 26, 2025, all non-US citizens including green card holders must provide facial photographs when entering or exiting the United States. US citizens are exempt from this requirement.
Can I still visit Europe without a visa as an American?
Yes, Americans can visit Schengen countries visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. However, you must now register in the EU Entry/Exit System with biometrics at the border. The ETIAS pre-authorization has been delayed until late 2026.
What happens if I don't have a UK ETA?
Airlines will deny boarding to travelers without a valid UK ETA starting February 25, 2026. Apply through the UK ETA app for £16 at least 3 days before travel. The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
What You Need to Know / Bottom Line
December 2025 marks a significant tightening of travel restrictions worldwide. The US is expanding its travel ban to potentially 30+ countries while implementing mandatory biometric collection for all visitors. Meanwhile, Europe's EES rollout continues, and the UK ETA remains essential for American travelers.
Stay informed about these rapidly evolving travel restrictions and ensure your documentation is current. For visa and passport photo applications, verify your images meet the latest official requirements—VisaPics provides compliant photos for over 950 document types across 170+ countries. Check specific passport photo requirements for your destination before applying.
Sources: - [CNN Politics - DHS Travel Ban Countries](https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/politics/dhs-travel-ban-countries) - [NPR - Trump Administration Halts Immigration](https://www.npr.org/2025/12/03/g-s1-100218/trump-administration-halts-immigration-19-nations) - [Council on Foreign Relations - Travel Ban Guide](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [OPB - Travel Ban Expansion](https://www.opb.org/article/2025/12/05/trump-administration-will-expand-travel-ban-to-more-than-30-countries-noem-says/) - [EU Entry/Exit System Official](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees) - [UK Government - ETA Requirements](https://www.gov.uk/eta) - [Biometric Update - EES Rollout](https://www.biometricupdate.com/202512/ees-rollout-remains-steady-etias-on-its-way-eu-lisa)