December 2025 Travel Restrictions: Major Changes Affecting Millions
Travel restrictions updates for December 2025 bring sweeping changes that affect international travelers, immigrants, and visa applicants worldwide. The US has paused all immigration applications from 19 countries, with recommendations to expand the travel ban to over 30 nations.
Additionally, the European Union's new biometric Entry/Exit System is now operational, and the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization requirement is in full effect for Americans. These changes represent the most significant shift in international travel policy in years.
US Immigration Application Pause: 19 Countries Affected
On December 2, 2025, the Trump administration ordered an immediate pause on all immigration applications from nationals of 19 countries under the existing travel ban.
- Green card applications: All pending family-based and employment-based applications are frozen
- Citizenship ceremonies: Naturalization oath ceremonies have been cancelled without new dates
- Asylum cases: Over 1.4 million asylum decisions are paused indefinitely
- Interview cancellations: USCIS has removed scheduled appointments from its system
- Re-vetting required: All applicants must undergo thorough re-review processes
The 19 affected countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Immigration attorneys report widespread cancellations began this week.
Travel Ban Expansion: Up to 32 Countries May Be Added
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is recommending the travel ban list expand to include 30 to 32 countries—a significant increase from the current 19.
- Sub-Saharan Africa targeted: 24 of 36 potential ban countries are in this region
- Security assessment ongoing: The list continues to be evaluated
- 71% population impact: If all 24 African countries are added, most of the region would be affected
- No timeline announced: The expansion could happen at any time
The recommendation follows a tragic incident in Washington, DC, that killed one National Guard member and critically wounded another. Valid visa holders from before June 9, 2025, are not subject to the ban but may face enhanced screening at ports of entry.
Who Is Affected by US Travel Restrictions
These travel restrictions updates impact various groups differently based on their immigration status and country of origin.
For Green Card Applicants
If you're from one of the 19 countries and have a pending green card application, your case is now on hold. USCIS will not process your application until new vetting guidance is issued. Ensure your passport photo meets all requirements as you may need to resubmit documentation during the re-review process.
For Current Visa Holders
Foreign nationals holding valid visas issued before June 9, 2025, can still travel to the US. However, expect enhanced screening at ports of entry. Keep all supporting documentation readily available.
For Asylum Seekers
All asylum decisions are paused until USCIS can ensure "maximum vetting." If you're already in the US with a pending asylum case, your application remains in the system but will not move forward until further notice.
How to Check Your Immigration Status - Step by Step
If you're affected by the US immigration pause, follow these steps to understand your situation:
- Log into USCIS account: Visit my.uscis.gov to check your case status and any appointment changes
- Review your receipt notices: Confirm which applications are pending and their current status
- Contact your attorney: If you have immigration counsel, schedule a consultation immediately
- Document everything: Keep copies of all communications, cancelled appointments, and case numbers
- Monitor official channels: Check USCIS.gov regularly for policy updates and guidance changes
EU Entry/Exit System: New Biometric Requirements
The European Union launched its Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, fundamentally changing how non-EU travelers enter the Schengen Area.
- Biometric registration: Fingerprints and facial scans required on first entry
- 29 countries participating: All Schengen members plus associated states
- Data stored 3 years: Your biometric information remains in the system
- Replaces passport stamps: Manual stamping ends by April 2026
- Facial recognition on return: Subsequent entries require only face scans
By April 10, 2026, all EU border points will process all passengers through EES. British passport holders and non-EU travelers should prepare for longer initial processing times. Having compliant passport photos ready ensures smooth registration.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization: What Americans Need
Since January 8, 2025, US citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for all visits to the United Kingdom.
- Cost: £10 (approximately $12.75 USD)
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires, whichever comes first
- Processing: Most decisions issued within minutes via the UK ETA app
- Applies to transit: Even airport layovers require an ETA
- All ages required: Children must have their own ETA
From February 25, 2026, travelers without an ETA will be denied boarding. Apply at least three working days before travel to allow for any additional review.
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for 2025-2026 travel planning:
- January 8, 2025: UK ETA requirement began for American travelers
- May 7, 2025: US REAL ID enforcement starts for domestic flights
- June 9, 2025: US travel ban effective date (existing visas from before this date remain valid)
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System launched across Europe
- December 2, 2025: US paused all immigration applications from 19 countries
- December 26, 2025: US begins photographing all noncitizens at entry and exit
- April 10, 2026: EU EES fully operational at all border points
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel to the US if I'm from one of the 19 banned countries?
If you hold a valid visa issued before June 9, 2025, you can still travel to the US. However, expect enhanced screening at the border. New visa applications from these countries are currently suspended for most visa categories.
What happens to my pending green card if I'm from a travel ban country?
Your application is paused but not cancelled. USCIS has frozen processing until new vetting procedures are established. You will need to undergo a thorough re-review process, potentially including new interviews, before your application can proceed.
Do I need both an ETA for the UK and register for EU EES?
Yes, these are separate systems. The UK ETA covers travel to the United Kingdom only. The EU Entry/Exit System applies to the Schengen Area, which does not include the UK. You'll need to comply with both if visiting both regions.
How long will the US immigration pause last?
There is no announced end date. The pause remains in effect until USCIS Director Joseph Edlow issues guidance on additional vetting procedures. Monitor official USCIS communications for updates.
What Travelers Need to Know Now
These December 2025 travel restrictions updates represent significant changes for international travelers. The US immigration pause affects over 1.4 million pending cases, while EU biometric requirements and UK ETA rules add new steps for European travel.
Before any international trip, verify your destination's current entry requirements and ensure all your travel documents are up to date. VisaPics can help you prepare compliant passport and visa photos that meet the exact specifications for over 950 document types across 172 countries—essential when navigating these changing requirements.