Breaking Travel Restrictions Impact Millions of Travelers
Travel restrictions updates in November 2025 are causing significant disruptions for both domestic and international travelers. The FAA has implemented mandatory flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports following a prolonged government shutdown, while new visa interview location rules eliminate third-country processing options effective November 1, 2025. These changes affect millions of travelers planning trips during the upcoming holiday season and beyond.
Additionally, Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES) biometric requirements have expanded to include car passengers at channel crossings, and the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization now covers nearly all visa-exempt visitors. Understanding these travel restrictions is crucial for anyone planning international or domestic trips in the coming months.
Key Travel Restrictions and Changes in November 2025
Seven major travel restrictions and regulatory updates are currently affecting travelers worldwide. Here's what you need to know:
- FAA Flight Reductions: Mandatory 3-10% capacity cuts at 40 major U.S. airports due to air traffic controller shortages during government shutdown (November 5-13, 2025)
- U.S. Visa Interview Changes: Third-country processing eliminated—all applicants must interview in country of residence or nationality only (effective November 1, 2025)
- Europe EES Expansion: Biometric entry/exit system now includes car passengers at Dover and channel crossings (November 1, 2025 implementation)
- UK ETA Requirements: Electronic Travel Authorization mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors, including European nationals (fully implemented as of April 2, 2025, ongoing in November)
- Switzerland Biometric Scanning: Zurich airport implemented biometric entry/exit scanning on November 17, 2025
- U.S. Travel Bans: Nationality-based restrictions affecting 19 countries continue through November 2025
- Flight Cancellations: Over 4,600 flights canceled during November 8-10 weekend due to FAA capacity restrictions
These travel restrictions represent the most significant changes to international travel protocols since pandemic-era regulations. The FAA estimates that flight reductions will continue affecting major hubs including Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago O'Hare through at least late November 2025.
Moreover, the elimination of third-country visa processing has created substantial backlogs at U.S. embassies worldwide, with wait times extending to several months in some locations. This particularly impacts H-1B workers, students, and family-based immigration applicants who previously relied on faster processing in neighboring countries.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 travel restrictions impact multiple traveler categories differently. Understanding how these changes affect your specific travel plans is essential for avoiding delays and complications.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
If you're flying within the United States, expect reduced flight availability and potential delays at 40 major airports through late November 2025. Airlines have been forced to cancel over 4,600 flights during the November 8-10 weekend alone. Thanksgiving travel may face additional complications as the FAA continues monitoring system performance before restoring normal operations.
For International Travelers to the U.S.
Visa applicants can no longer schedule interviews at third-country embassies or consulates—you must apply in your country of residence or nationality. This change affects all immigrant visa categories, including family-based, employment-based, and Diversity Visa lottery winners. Existing appointment fees are non-refundable if you need to reschedule to a different country.
For Travelers to Europe and the UK
Non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area must now provide fingerprints and facial recognition data under the EES system, with registration expanding to all entry points by April 10, 2026. UK visitors from visa-exempt countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) costing £16, valid for two years or until passport expiration. Ensure your passport photo meets current biometric requirements before applying for these authorizations.
How to Navigate New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with November 2025 travel restrictions and avoid travel disruptions:
- Check Your Destination Requirements: Visit official government websites (travel.state.gov for U.S., gov.uk for UK) at least 30 days before travel to verify current entry requirements
- Apply for Required Authorizations Early: UK ETA applications take up to 3 working days; apply immediately if traveling within the next month
- Schedule U.S. Visa Interviews Correctly: Book appointments only at embassies in your country of residence or nationality—third-country appointments will be rejected
- Prepare Biometric Data: Europe's EES requires fingerprints and facial photos; arrive at borders with extra time for biometric processing (first-time registration takes 5-7 minutes per traveler)
- Monitor Flight Status Closely: If traveling through affected U.S. airports, sign up for airline alerts and check flight status 24 hours before departure
- Update Passport Photos: Ensure your passport photo specifications meet current biometric standards for visa applications and electronic travel authorizations
- Build in Extra Travel Time: Add 2-3 hours to airport arrival times during November 2025 due to reduced flight capacity and increased processing times
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with travel restrictions:
- November 1, 2025: U.S. visa third-country processing eliminated; Europe EES expanded to car passengers at Dover
- November 5-13, 2025: FAA implemented phased flight capacity reductions from 4% to 10% at 40 major U.S. airports
- November 17, 2025: Switzerland's Zurich airport launched biometric entry/exit scanning for all travelers
- Late November 2025: FAA evaluating whether to reduce current 3% flight capacity restrictions based on air traffic controller staffing levels
- April 10, 2026: Europe's EES system must be fully operational across all Schengen Area countries (100% traveler registration required)
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Restrictions
Can I Still Use Third Countries for My U.S. Visa Interview?
No, as of November 1, 2025, all U.S. visa applicants must schedule interviews at embassies or consulates in their country of residence or nationality only. This applies to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including H-1B, F-1 student visas, and B-1/B-2 tourist visas. The U.S. Department of State eliminated third-country processing to address security concerns and reduce fraud.
How Long Will FAA Flight Reductions Continue?
The FAA has reduced mandatory flight capacity restrictions from 10% to 3% as of November 13, 2025, following the end of the government shutdown. Normal operations may resume once the FAA confirms adequate air traffic controller staffing levels. However, travel experts warn that lingering impacts could affect Thanksgiving travel and potentially extend into December 2025.
Do I Need Biometric Enrollment Every Time I Enter Europe?
No, the Europe Entry/Exit System stores your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) for three years after initial enrollment. Regular travelers to the Schengen Area will have their data automatically renewed. If you don't travel to Europe within three years, you'll need to complete biometric registration again at your next entry point.
Is the UK ETA the Same as a Visa?
No, the UK Electronic Travel Authorization is not a visa—it's a digital permission to travel to the UK for short stays of up to six months. The ETA costs £16, is valid for two years or until your passport expires, and permits multiple journeys. You still need a proper UK visa if you plan to work, study long-term, or stay longer than six months.
What You Need to Know About Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 travel restrictions represent the most comprehensive changes to international travel protocols in recent years. The elimination of third-country U.S. visa processing, combined with FAA flight reductions and expanded biometric requirements in Europe, creates a complex landscape for travelers. Planning ahead is now more critical than ever.
Before booking any international travel, verify all current requirements with official government sources and allow extra time for visa processing, flight connections, and biometric enrollment. Additionally, ensure your passport photo meets the latest biometric requirements for visa applications and electronic travel authorizations—VisaPics provides compliant passport photos for 172 countries with over 952 document types. Start your travel preparations early to avoid last-minute complications during this period of significant travel restrictions.