Major Travel Restrictions Updates for December 2025
Travel restrictions updates in December 2025 are reshaping international travel with significant policy changes across the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom. The US Department of Homeland Security has recommended expanding the current travel ban to over 30 countries, while Europe's new biometric Entry/Exit System is now processing travelers at border crossings.
These sweeping changes come amid heightened security concerns following recent events and represent some of the most significant shifts in global travel policy in years. Whether you're planning holiday travel or a business trip, understanding these new requirements is essential.
US Travel Ban Expansion: Key Updates You Need to Know
The Trump administration announced plans to expand travel restrictions from 19 to more than 30 countries, marking a dramatic escalation in US immigration policy.
- Current Full Ban (12 countries): Afghanistan, Burma (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: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the list will grow to 30-32 countries, with an announcement expected by December 15, 2025
- Retroactive Reviews: USCIS is re-examining all immigration benefits granted to nationals from affected countries since January 20, 2021
- Afghan Processing Halted: All visa and immigration processing for Afghan nationals suspended as of December 2, 2025
The expansion follows a shooting incident in Washington, D.C. involving an Afghan national, which prompted President Trump to announce a "permanent pause" on migration from certain countries. However, travelers should note that the complete list of newly restricted countries has not yet been officially released.
Who Is Affected by US Travel Restrictions
These travel restrictions updates impact millions of travelers worldwide. Understanding whether you're affected is crucial before planning any US travel.
For Citizens of Fully Banned Countries
Citizens from the 12 fully banned countries are prohibited from entering the US under any visa category, with very limited exceptions. This includes tourist visas, student visas, and work visas. Even green card holders from these countries may face additional scrutiny.
For Citizens of Partially Restricted Countries
Citizens from the 7 partially restricted countries face bans on specific visa categories, particularly F visas (student) and J visas (exchange visitor). Other visa categories may still be available, but processing times have increased significantly.
For Travelers Planning US Visits
If you're from an unaffected country, you should still ensure your passport photo meets current requirements and allow extra processing time for visa applications. The State Department has eliminated interview waivers, meaning nearly all applicants must attend in-person interviews regardless of age.
How to Navigate New US Entry Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure smooth entry into the United States under current travel restrictions:
- Check your eligibility: Verify your country is not on the restricted list at the State Department website before applying for any visa
- Prepare for biometric collection: Starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens including green card holders will have photos taken at entry and exit
- Schedule your interview early: With interview waivers eliminated, all applicants (including those under 14 and over 79) must attend in-person
- Apply in your home country: Since September 2025, you must schedule visa interviews in your country of residence or nationality
- Prepare compliant photos: Ensure your visa application photos meet strict US specifications to avoid delays
EU Entry/Exit System: Biometric Travel Requirements Now Active
Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on October 12, 2025, introducing mandatory biometric registration for all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area.
- What's collected: Fingerprints, facial images, passport details, and entry/exit dates stored digitally
- Who it affects: All non-EU citizens including Americans, Brits, Canadians, and Australians visiting Europe
- No fee required: Unlike ETIAS, there is no charge for EES processing at the border
- Progressive rollout: Full deployment across all 30 Schengen countries expected by April 10, 2026
- ETIAS delayed: The €20 pre-travel authorization system pushed back to late 2026
Travelers should arrive at airports three hours before international flights during this transition period. Major hubs in France and Germany are implementing the system gradually, but expect longer queues at immigration.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization: What Americans Must Know
The United Kingdom now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visa-exempt travelers, including American citizens.
- Effective date: January 8, 2025 for US, Canadian, and non-European passport holders
- Cost: £16 (approximately $20) per application
- Validity: Two years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first
- Processing time: Most applications approved within minutes via the UK ETA app
- European expansion: Starting April 2, 2025, most European nationals will also need an ETA
The ETA is required for tourism, business visits, family visits, or short-term study up to six months. It does not replace visa requirements for work, internships, or long-term study.
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay ahead of travel restrictions updates:
- December 15, 2025: Expected announcement of expanded US travel ban country list
- December 26, 2025: US biometric collection begins for all non-citizens at entry/exit
- January 8, 2025: UK ETA already required for Americans (currently in effect)
- April 2, 2025: UK ETA expands to European nationals
- April 10, 2026: Full EU Entry/Exit System deployment across all Schengen countries
- Late 2026: EU ETIAS system expected to launch
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are currently banned from US travel?
Twelve countries face a full travel ban: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Seven additional countries have partial restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The list is expected to expand to 30+ countries by mid-December 2025.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe in 2025?
No. The ETIAS pre-travel authorization system has been delayed until late 2026. Currently, Americans can visit Europe visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, you will encounter the new biometric Entry/Exit System at border crossings, which requires fingerprint and facial scans.
How do I apply for a UK ETA?
Download the official UK ETA app or visit gov.uk to apply. The process costs £16 and most applications receive an automatic decision within minutes. Apply at least three working days before travel. Avoid third-party websites that may charge higher fees.
Will my green card be affected by the travel ban?
Green card holders from the 19 restricted countries may face additional scrutiny upon entry. USCIS is conducting retroactive reviews of all immigration benefits granted since January 2021 to nationals from affected countries. Current green card holders should consult an immigration attorney before international travel.
What You Need to Know Before Traveling
These December 2025 travel restrictions updates represent significant shifts in global mobility. The US expansion to 30+ banned countries, EU biometric requirements, and UK ETA mandates mean travelers must plan more carefully than ever before.
Before your next international trip, verify your eligibility, check processing times, and ensure your passport photo meets all requirements. With stricter biometric screening at borders worldwide, having properly formatted travel documents—including compliant visa photos—is more important than ever. Stay informed and allow extra time for both application processing and airport procedures.