Travel Restrictions Updates December 2025: What You Need to Know
Travel restrictions updates in December 2025 have dramatically reshaped international travel with the US expanding its travel ban to over 30 countries and implementing mandatory biometric collection for all non-citizens. These sweeping changes affect millions of travelers worldwide, from green card holders to tourists planning European vacations.
The rapid policy shifts follow the Thanksgiving week shooting in Washington, D.C., which prompted the Trump administration to accelerate immigration enforcement measures. Additionally, Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES) continues its phased rollout, adding another layer of complexity for transatlantic travelers.
Key Travel Restriction Changes for December 2025
Several major policy changes have taken effect or been announced this month that impact international travelers.
- US Travel Ban Expansion: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the ban will expand from 19 to over 30 countries
- Immigration Application Pause: USCIS halted processing green cards, citizenship, and asylum applications from 19 travel ban countries
- Biometric Requirements: Starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens must submit to facial recognition at entry and exit points
- Green Card Review: Administration ordered review of all green cards previously issued to nationals from banned countries
- H-1B Enhanced Screening: State Department announced expanded vetting for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants on December 3
- EU EES Biometrics: Schengen borders now collecting fingerprints and facial scans from non-EU visitors
These changes represent the most significant travel restrictions updates since the original travel ban took effect in June 2025. Travelers should verify their eligibility and prepare proper documentation before booking international trips.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The December 2025 travel restrictions impact several distinct groups of travelers, each facing unique challenges and requirements.
For Citizens of Travel Ban Countries
Nationals from the current 19 banned countries face the most severe restrictions. The full travel ban applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Restricted access applies to Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
For Green Card Holders
Lawful permanent residents will now undergo biometric verification at both entry and exit. This includes facial recognition photos during both departure and return, even for short trips. Green card holders from the 19 banned countries face additional scrutiny as their applications undergo review.
For European-Bound Travelers
US citizens and other visa-exempt travelers to Europe must now register in the Entry/Exit System at Schengen borders. Fingerprints, facial images, and passport details are collected and stored digitally for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
How to Navigate New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with current travel restrictions before your trip.
- Check Your Status: Verify if your country of citizenship or residence is on the current or proposed travel ban list
- Review Pending Applications: If you have immigration applications pending with USCIS, contact an immigration attorney for status updates
- Prepare Documentation: Gather valid passport, visa documentation, and proof of ties to your home country
- Allow Extra Time: Budget 30-60 additional minutes at border crossings for biometric processing
- Update Passport Photos: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements as biometric systems compare live scans to documentation
- Consult Legal Counsel: If you have any law enforcement interactions, speak with an immigration attorney before traveling
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for travel restrictions updates taking effect through early 2026.
- December 3, 2025: State Department announced expanded H-1B and H-4 visa screening
- December 26, 2025: Mandatory biometric collection begins at all US ports of entry
- January 2026: EU EES expands to 50% of Schengen border points
- March 2026: All Schengen borders operating EES with biometric collection
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System fully operational across all 30 Schengen countries
- Late 2026: ETIAS pre-travel authorization launches with €20 fee for visa-exempt travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Countries Are Currently on the US Travel Ban List?
The current travel ban affects 19 countries. Full bans apply to Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions affect Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The list may expand to over 30 countries pending presidential approval.
Do Green Card Holders Need to Worry About New Biometric Rules?
Yes, green card holders are now subject to facial recognition photography at both entry and exit points starting December 26, 2025. Refusal to comply may result in denied entry or boarding. Those traveling abroad for over one year should still carry a reentry permit in addition to meeting biometric requirements.
Will ETIAS Be Required for US Citizens Visiting Europe?
Not yet. ETIAS has been delayed until late 2026. However, US citizens must currently comply with the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which collects biometric data at Schengen borders. When ETIAS launches, US citizens will need to complete an online pre-travel authorization costing €20, valid for three years.
What Happens If My Immigration Application Is Paused?
USCIS has paused processing of green cards, citizenship applications, and asylum requests from nationals of the 19 travel ban countries. No timeline has been announced for resuming processing. Affected applicants should maintain valid status and consult with immigration counsel before making any travel plans.
What You Need to Know Before Traveling
The December 2025 travel restrictions represent a fundamental shift in international travel requirements. Both the US and European Union have implemented biometric verification systems that affect nearly all international travelers. Planning ahead and maintaining proper documentation has never been more critical.
Before your next international trip, ensure your passport photo specifications meet current standards, as biometric systems directly compare your documentation to live scans. Whether you need a visa application photo or updated passport image, having compliant photos can prevent delays at increasingly scrutinized border crossings. Stay informed about evolving travel restrictions and allow extra processing time at all ports of entry.