Major Travel Restrictions Updates Reshape International Travel
Travel restrictions updates announced on December 16, 2025 have dramatically expanded the U.S. travel ban to include 39 countries, affecting millions of travelers worldwide. The Trump administration added 20 new countries and upgraded restrictions on several others, making this the largest expansion of entry limitations since the original ban took effect.
Additionally, mandatory biometric collection for all non-U.S. citizens begins December 26, 2025. These combined changes mark a historic shift in how foreign nationals enter and exit the United States.
Complete List of Countries with Travel Restrictions
The expanded travel ban now affects 39 countries with varying levels of restrictions.
- Full Travel Ban (19 countries): Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen
- Partial Restrictions (19 countries): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Special Category: Individuals holding Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents face complete visa suspension
Countries with full bans face near-total entry prohibitions across all visa categories. Those with partial restrictions are blocked from B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, J student/exchange visas but may still qualify for certain employment-based categories.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
These travel restrictions updates impact several distinct groups of travelers and immigrants differently.
For Visa Applicants from Banned Countries
Citizens of fully banned countries cannot obtain any U.S. visa category except through limited waivers. Case-by-case exceptions exist for diplomats, athletes, and situations serving U.S. national interests. Those with pending applications should consult an immigration attorney immediately.
For Students and Exchange Visitors
F, J, and M visa applicants from partially restricted countries face suspended processing. Current visa holders already in the U.S. retain valid status, but renewals require in-person interviews at home-country consulates. Interview waiver programs have been eliminated for these categories.
For Green Card Holders and Current Visa Holders
Lawful permanent residents and those with valid visas are exempt from the travel ban itself. However, all non-citizens must now comply with new biometric requirements starting December 26. Travel outside the U.S. requires careful planning to ensure smooth re-entry.
How to Prepare for New Biometric Requirements - Step by Step
Starting December 26, 2025, follow these steps when traveling to or from the United States.
- Update Your Passport Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets current biometric standards—VisaPics can help you create compliant photos for any country
- Arrive Early: Budget an additional 30-60 minutes at airports and border crossings for biometric processing
- Prepare for Facial Recognition: Remove hats, sunglasses, and face coverings when approaching entry/exit points
- Know Your Rights: U.S. citizens can opt out of facial biometrics by requesting manual passport inspection
- Keep Documents Ready: Have your visa, passport, and supporting documents easily accessible for inspection
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates affecting travel restrictions and immigration policy.
- December 5, 2025: EAD validity reduced from 5 years to 18 months for new applications
- December 15, 2025: H-1B social media screening requirement begins—profiles must be public
- December 16, 2025: Expanded travel ban affecting 39 countries takes effect
- December 26, 2025: Mandatory biometric collection begins for all non-U.S. citizens
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel to the US if my country is on the partial restriction list?
Yes, but options are limited. Citizens of partially restricted countries are blocked from B-1/B-2 tourist visas and student visas (F, M, J). Employment-based immigrant visas may still be available. Waivers are granted case-by-case for compelling circumstances.
What biometric data will be collected at US borders?
CBP will primarily collect facial recognition photographs at entry and exit points. The regulation also authorizes fingerprint collection and potentially iris scans or DNA in the future. This data is stored in the DHS Biometric Identity Management System for up to 75 years.
Are there any exemptions to the biometric requirement?
No exemptions exist for non-citizens. Previous exemptions for children under 14, adults over 79, diplomats, and Canadian travelers have been eliminated. Refusing biometrics can result in denied boarding, denied entry, or being turned back at the border.
How do these changes affect my visa application?
All visa applicants now require in-person interviews at U.S. consulates—interview waivers have been eliminated. H-1B applicants must make social media profiles public. Ensure your passport photo requirements are met before applying, as processing times have increased significantly.
What You Need to Know Now
These travel restrictions updates represent the most sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy in years. With 39 countries now facing full or partial entry limitations and mandatory biometrics beginning December 26, travelers must plan carefully and stay informed about requirements affecting their nationality.
Before applying for any visa or traveling internationally, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements. VisaPics provides compliant photos for over 950 document types across 172 countries. Check our visa photo specifications to verify your documents are correct before submitting applications or arriving at borders.
--- Sources: - [The White House Fact Sheet](https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/12/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-further-restricts-and-limits-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/) - [Council on Foreign Relations - Guide to Travel Ban](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [CBP Biometric Entry/Exit Program](https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/dhs-announces-final-rule-advance-biometric-entry/exit-program) - [Federal Register - Biometric Collection Rule](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/27/2025-19655/collection-of-biometric-data-from-aliens-upon-entry-to-and-departure-from-the-united-states) - [Fragomen - Holiday Travel Guidelines](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-2025-holiday-travel-guidelines-for-foreign-nationals.html)