Major Travel Restrictions Updates for 2026
Travel restrictions updates effective January 1, 2026, will affect millions of travelers worldwide as the United States expands its travel ban to 39 countries. The December 16, 2025 proclamation adds 20 new nations to the restricted list, marking the largest expansion since the policy began.
Additionally, new biometric entry-exit requirements take effect December 26, 2025, requiring photos of all non-citizens—including green card holders—at every US port of entry. These sweeping changes come as the EU also advances its Entry/Exit System rollout across Schengen borders.
US Travel Ban Expansion: Countries Affected
The expanded US travel restrictions divide affected nations into two categories: full bans and partial restrictions.
- Full Travel Ban (19 Countries + Palestinian Authority): Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen
- Partial Restrictions (20 Countries): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cuba, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- New Addition: Individuals with Palestinian Authority passports are now banned from immigrating to the US
- Upgraded to Full Ban: Laos and Sierra Leone moved from partial to full restrictions
- Only Exception: Turkmenistan receives limited relief—nonimmigrant visas now permitted, but immigrant visas remain suspended
Countries under partial restrictions face suspension of B visas (tourism/business), F visas (academic students), M visas (vocational students), and J visas (exchange visitors). This significantly impacts international students, particularly from Nigeria, one of the top 10 sources of US international students.
Who Is Affected by Travel Restrictions
The new travel restrictions create different impacts based on your immigration status and current location.
For Visa Applicants Abroad
Nationals from listed countries outside the US on January 1, 2026, without a valid visa face immediate suspension. No new visas will be issued to affected nationals. Pending applications from the 39 affected countries should expect extreme delays and backlogs for the foreseeable future.
For Current US Residents
The proclamation does not apply to those physically present in the United States on January 1, 2026. If you hold a valid visa on that date, it will not be revoked. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) remain exempt from the travel ban itself.
For Dual Nationals
Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-designated country are exempt from these restrictions. Holders of valid diplomatic visas (A, C, G, NATO categories) also remain unaffected. Athletes and essential personnel for major international sporting events like the World Cup and Olympics receive special exemptions.
How to Check Your Travel Status and Prepare
Follow these steps to understand how the new travel restrictions affect your plans:
- Verify Your Country's Status: Check whether your country of citizenship falls under full ban, partial restrictions, or no restrictions using official State Department resources
- Review Your Current Visa: If you have a valid visa issued before January 1, 2026, it remains valid—document your visa status carefully
- Prepare Proper Documentation: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements and all travel documents are up to date before attempting travel
- Consult Immigration Counsel: If you're from an affected country, seek legal advice about exemptions, waivers, or alternative visa categories
- Monitor Updates: The Secretary of State must report every 180 days on whether restrictions should continue, be modified, or terminated
New Biometric Requirements for Green Card Holders
Separate from the travel ban, the US implements mandatory biometric collection starting December 26, 2025.
- Who's Affected: All non-US citizens including green card holders, visa holders, and undocumented immigrants
- What's Collected: Facial recognition photos at entry AND exit—for the first time, photos taken when leaving the US
- Age Exemptions Removed: Children under 14 and adults over 79, previously exempt, must now comply
- Refusal Consequences: Non-citizens who refuse biometric collection may be denied entry, boarding, or departure verification
- Privacy Timeline: Photos of matched travelers deleted within 12 hours; unmatched traveler images may be retained up to 75 years
Green card holders spending extended time abroad should note that CBP will now track exact entry and exit dates through biometrics. Those returning from trips longer than one year should carry a reentry permit and expect verification both ways.
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for travel restrictions updates:
- December 16, 2025: Presidential Proclamation 10998 expanding travel ban announced
- December 26, 2025: US biometric entry-exit system begins at all ports of entry
- January 1, 2026 (12:01 AM ET): Expanded travel ban takes full effect for 39 countries
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System expected to be fully operational across all Schengen borders
- June 2026: First 180-day review of travel restrictions due to President
EU Entry/Exit System: Additional Travel Changes
Travelers to Europe face new biometric requirements as the EU rolls out its Entry/Exit System (EES).
- Current Status: EES began phased rollout October 12, 2025, across 29 European countries
- December 2025: Biometric checks (facial scans and fingerprints) now operational at many border points
- Wait Times: Some airports report processing delays of up to 3 hours during peak periods, with wait times increasing by 70%
- Most Affected Airports: France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain experiencing significant delays
- Exemptions: Irish passport holders and British passport holders with EU residency are exempt; children under 12 need only facial scans (no fingerprints)
The EES replaces manual passport stamps with electronic recording of biometric data for all non-EU nationals on short stays. Travelers should arrive earlier than usual at European airports until systems stabilize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Current Visa Be Revoked Under the Travel Ban?
No. If you have a valid visa as of January 1, 2026, it will not be revoked. The ban applies to new visa applications and those outside the US without valid visas on the effective date. However, you should still ensure all travel documents and your visa photo remain current.
Can I Still Travel to the US From Nigeria or Other Partially Restricted Countries?
Partial restrictions suspend B, F, M, and J visas—covering tourism, business, and student travel. Other visa categories may still be available, but processing faces extreme delays. Nigerian students will not receive new student visas beginning January 1, 2026.
Are There Any Waivers or Exemptions to the Travel Ban?
Yes. Exemptions exist for lawful permanent residents, dual nationals using non-designated passports, diplomatic visa holders, and athletes/personnel for major international sporting events. Individual waivers may be available in limited circumstances—consult an immigration attorney for guidance.
How Long Will These Travel Restrictions Last?
The proclamation has no expiration date. Reviews occur every 180 days to assess whether restrictions should continue, be modified, or terminated. The earliest review is due June 2026, but there's no guarantee of changes.
What Travelers Need to Know Now
The travel restrictions updates taking effect in late December 2025 and January 2026 represent the most significant changes to US travel policy in years. With 39 countries now facing full or partial restrictions and new biometric requirements for all non-citizens, millions of travelers must reassess their plans.
Before traveling, verify your passport and visa photo specifications meet current requirements. VisaPics offers accurate, compliant photos for visa applications across 172 countries. Whether applying for an exemption or preparing documents for permitted travel categories, having proper documentation is essential for navigating these new restrictions successfully.