Major Travel Restrictions Updates Reshape International Travel in December 2025
Travel restrictions updates have dramatically reshaped international travel as December 2025 brings sweeping changes from both the United States and European Union. The US Department of Homeland Security announced plans to expand its travel ban to 30-32 countries, while the EU's biometric Entry/Exit System is now actively collecting fingerprints and facial scans from non-EU visitors.
These changes affect millions of travelers, immigrants, and visa applicants worldwide. Whether you're planning a vacation, business trip, or immigration journey, understanding these new requirements is essential for successful travel.
Key Travel Restriction Changes for December 2025
Here are the most significant updates affecting international travelers this month:
- US Travel Ban Expansion: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the ban will grow from 19 to 30-32 countries by mid-December 2025
- USCIS Application Freeze: All green card, asylum, and naturalization applications paused for nationals of 19 countries as of December 2, 2025
- EU Biometric Collection: The Entry/Exit System (EES) now requires fingerprints and facial scans at Schengen borders
- Mandatory Social Media Screening: H-1B and H-4 visa applicants must set social media profiles to public starting December 15, 2025
- Reduced EAD Validity: Employment Authorization Documents cut from 5 years to 18 months effective December 5, 2025
- UK ETA Required: Americans need £10 Electronic Travel Authorization for UK visits since January 8, 2025
The December 2 announcement followed a tragic shooting incident in Washington, DC, prompting accelerated security reviews across federal agencies.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
These updates impact different traveler groups in significant ways. Understanding your specific situation helps you prepare the right documentation.
For US-Bound Travelers from Banned Countries
Citizens of 12 countries face complete entry bans: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Seven additional countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face partial visa category restrictions.
For Immigrants with Pending Applications
USCIS has frozen all Form I-485 (green card), N-400 (naturalization), and I-589 (asylum) applications for nationals from the 19 affected countries. Additionally, anyone who received immigration benefits after January 20, 2021, faces a retroactive review of their case.
For Travelers to Europe
Non-EU citizens visiting the Schengen Area must now register biometric data—fingerprints and facial images—on first entry. This applies to Americans, Canadians, and all other non-EU passport holders. Children under 12 only need facial scans, not fingerprints.
For H-1B Visa Holders and Applicants
Starting December 15, 2025, all H-1B and H-4 applicants must make their LinkedIn and social media profiles public. Consular officers will review online activity, employment history, and digital presence. Private accounts or no online presence may trigger additional scrutiny.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your travel plans aren't disrupted by new restrictions:
- Check Your Country's Status: Verify whether your nationality appears on the current or expanded travel ban list through official DHS announcements
- Review Your Visa Validity: Visas issued before June 9, 2025, remain valid but may face enhanced screening at ports of entry
- Prepare Biometric Documents: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for both US and EU biometric systems
- Update Social Media Profiles: If applying for H-1B or H-4 visas, set LinkedIn and relevant profiles to public before December 15
- Allow Extra Processing Time: Plan for longer wait times at EU borders and US entry points due to new biometric collection
- Gather Supporting Documents: Carry proof of travel purpose, accommodation bookings, and return tickets to facilitate border crossings
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for the December 2025 travel restriction rollout:
- December 2, 2025: USCIS freezes applications for 19-country nationals; Afghan visa processing suspended
- December 5, 2025: EAD validity reduced from 5 years to 18 months for new applications
- December 15, 2025: Social media screening mandatory for H-1B/H-4 applicants; expanded ban list expected
- December 26, 2025: US biometric collection required at all entry and exit points
- January 2026: Half of EU border points operating EES with biometric checks
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System fully operational; passport stamps discontinued
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Travel to the US with a Valid Visa from a Banned Country?
Yes, visas issued before June 9, 2025, remain valid according to the Department of State. However, travelers may face enhanced screening at ports of entry. No visas issued before this date have been or will be revoked under the current proclamation.
How Long Does EU Biometric Registration Take?
First-time registration takes several minutes as border agents capture your fingerprints, facial image, and passport data. Subsequent visits within the three-year validity period require only a quick verification scan. The system automatically tracks your 90-day limit within any 180-day period.
What Happens to Pending Green Card Applications?
Applications from nationals of the 19 affected countries are currently frozen pending comprehensive review. USCIS has not provided a timeline for resumption. Applicants should monitor official USCIS announcements and consult with immigration attorneys for case-specific guidance.
Are There Any Exemptions to the Travel Ban?
Yes, several groups are exempt including dual nationals, lawful permanent residents, their immediate family members, and certain diplomatic personnel. Athletes participating in the 2026 World Cup will also not be affected by the restrictions.
Do I Need Both EES Registration and ETIAS for Europe?
Currently, you only need EES registration. ETIAS (the pre-travel authorization system) has been delayed until late 2026. Americans can still visit Europe visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, but must complete biometric registration upon arrival.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
December 2025 marks one of the most significant shifts in international travel policy in recent years. The US travel ban expansion to potentially 32 countries, combined with frozen immigration applications and new biometric requirements on both sides of the Atlantic, creates a complex landscape for travelers and immigrants alike.
To navigate these changes successfully, ensure your passport photos meet all current specifications for both US and EU requirements. Check official government sources regularly for updates, especially if you're from one of the affected countries. For visa applications, verify your photo complies with the latest document requirements to avoid delays in an already challenging processing environment.