December 2025 Travel Restrictions: What's Changed This Week
Travel restrictions updates are reshaping international travel in December 2025, with the United States announcing a significant expansion of its travel ban from 19 to potentially 32 countries. These changes come alongside Europe's newly operational Entry/Exit System (EES) and China's extended visa-free policy for 46 nations.
Whether you're planning holiday travel or preparing a visa application, understanding these latest developments is essential. Here's everything you need to know about the current travel landscape.
Key Travel Restriction Changes in December 2025
Several major policy shifts are affecting travelers worldwide this month:
- US Travel Ban Expansion: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recommends adding 10-13 more countries to the existing 19-country travel ban list
- Immigration Pause: USCIS has halted all immigration applications from the 19 banned countries effective December 3, 2025
- Green Card Reviews: All green cards issued to nationals from banned countries (dating back to 2021) will be re-examined
- Asylum Decisions Paused: All US asylum decisions temporarily suspended for enhanced vetting
- Europe EES Operational: Biometric checks now required at EU borders for non-EU travelers
- China Visa-Free Extended: 46 countries can now enter China without a visa through December 2026
These restrictions represent the most significant changes to international travel since the original travel ban was implemented in June 2025. Travelers should verify their eligibility before booking flights.
Who Is Affected by the US Travel Ban
The expanded travel restrictions impact millions of travelers from specific regions. Understanding which category applies to you is critical for travel planning.
Countries with Full Travel Bans
Nationals from 12 countries face complete entry restrictions: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. No new visas are being issued, and most travel is prohibited.
Countries with Partial Restrictions
Seven additional countries have partial restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. F visas (student) and J visas (exchange visitor) are specifically prohibited for these nationals.
Potential Additions to the Ban List
According to Council on Foreign Relations, as many as 36 additional countries—primarily in Africa—may be added unless they meet US vetting requirements within 60 days. The DHS announcement of new additions is expected "soon."
How to Check Your Travel Eligibility - Step by Step
Before booking any international travel, follow these steps to verify your status:
- Check the banned countries list: Verify your nationality isn't on the full or partial restriction list at travel.state.gov
- Verify visa validity: If you hold an existing visa, confirm it hasn't been revoked through CEAC status check
- Review green card status: Nationals from banned countries should consult an immigration attorney about potential reviews
- Ensure passport photo requirements are current: Have updated passport photos ready that meet official specifications
- Apply for required authorizations: UK travelers need ETA, and EU visitors should prepare for EES biometric collection
- Consult legal counsel: If you've had any law enforcement interaction, seek professional advice before traveling
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for travel restrictions updates:
- December 3, 2025: USCIS pauses all immigration applications from 19 banned countries
- December 2025: Europe EES begins mandatory biometric collection at borders
- December 16, 2025: UK Immigration Skills Charge increases 32% for employer sponsors
- December 26, 2025: Expanded biometric collection begins at all US ports of entry
- January 2026: EU EES expands to 50% of border points
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System becomes fully operational
Europe's New Entry Requirements for Travelers
The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) is now live and will affect all non-EU travelers, including Americans. Here's what you need to know:
EES Requirements
Starting December 2025, travelers will undergo biometric checks including facial scans and fingerprints at EU borders. The system tracks entry and exit of all non-EU visitors on short stays, whether they need a visa or not.
ETIAS Coming in 2026
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will launch in late 2026. This €20 authorization will be required for visa-exempt nationals (including US citizens) traveling to 30 European countries. It's valid for three years and free for those under 18 or over 71.
UK ETA Now Required for Americans
Since January 8, 2025, US citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom. The ÂŁ10 authorization is valid for two years and covers tourism, business, and short-term study up to six months.
Apply through the UK ETA app at least three working days before travel. Most applications receive automatic approval within minutes. Ensure your passport photo meets UK requirements before applying.
China Extends Visa-Free Access to 46 Countries
China has extended its unilateral visa-free policy through December 31, 2026, now covering 46 countries including most EU nations, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, and several South American countries.
Eligible travelers can stay up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, or exchange programs. China also expanded its 240-hour transit program to 65 ports across 24 provincial regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel to the US if my country is on the partial ban list?
Travelers from partially banned countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela) may still be eligible for certain visa categories. However, F visas and J visas are specifically prohibited. Consult with an immigration attorney for your specific situation.
What happens to my green card if I'm from a banned country?
USCIS is re-reviewing all green cards issued to nationals from the 19 banned countries dating back to 2021. You may be called for re-interview. Maintain copies of all documentation and consider consulting legal counsel before international travel.
Do I need both EES registration and ETIAS for Europe?
Currently, only EES biometric collection is required at EU borders. ETIAS won't launch until late 2026. When it does, visa-exempt travelers will need both EES processing at the border AND pre-travel ETIAS authorization.
How do travel restrictions affect my visa application photos?
With increased scrutiny at borders, ensuring your passport photo meets official requirements is more important than ever. Biometric systems require photos that match current specifications for facial recognition matching.
What You Need to Know Before Traveling
December 2025 marks a pivotal moment for international travel restrictions. The US travel ban expansion, Europe's operational EES system, and various visa policy changes mean travelers must do their homework before booking flights.
Stay informed by checking official government sources before travel. Ensure your travel documents—including passport photos that meet visa photo specifications—are current and compliant. With proper preparation, you can navigate these changing requirements successfully.
Sources: - [CNN Politics - DHS Travel Ban Expansion](https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/02/politics/dhs-travel-ban-countries) - [Council on Foreign Relations - Trump's 2025 Travel Ban Guide](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [US Department of State - Visa Information](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html) - [EU Travel Europe - EES/ETIAS Timeline](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/news-corner/revised-timeline-ees-and-etias-2025-04-14_en) - [UK Home Office - ETA Factsheet](https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-november-2025/) - [China Visa Center - Visa-Free Policy](https://www.visaforchina.cn/DEL3_EN/tongzhigonggao/327343163872251904.html)