Major Travel Restrictions Now in Effect Worldwide
International travel restrictions have undergone significant changes in November 2025, affecting millions of travelers worldwide. The European Union launched its biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, while the United States continues enforcing expanded travel bans affecting 19 countries since June 9, 2025.
These sweeping changes impact passport holders from over 100 countries, requiring updated documentation, biometric data collection, and stricter visa requirements. Understanding these new travel restrictions is essential before planning any international trip.
Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES) Biometric Requirements
The European Commission officially launched the EES on October 12, 2025, with full implementation across 30 Schengen countries by April 10, 2026. This system replaces traditional passport stamping with digital biometric tracking.
- First-time registration: Travelers must provide fingerprints, facial photos, and passport data at their first EU entry point
- Digital validity: EES registration remains valid for 3 years from initial enrollment date
- Subsequent entries: Only fingerprint or facial scan required for future Schengen area visits
- Processing locations: All external Schengen borders including airports, seaports, and land crossings
- Gradual rollout: Dover port and Channel crossings implementing EES for all traffic by November 1, 2025
- Children exemption: Travelers under 12 years old only require photograph, no fingerprints needed
UK passport holders and other non-EU nationals visiting France, Spain, Italy, or any of the 27 other Schengen countries must comply with these biometric requirements. The system automatically tracks entry and exit dates to monitor the 90-day visa-free stay limit.
U.S. Travel Ban: 19 Countries Affected
The United States expanded its travel restrictions on June 4, 2025, with enforcement beginning June 9, 2025 at 12:01 AM EDT. The proclamation impacts both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories.
Countries with Full Travel Bans
Citizens from 12 countries face complete entry restrictions: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Limited exceptions apply for specific humanitarian cases and green card holders.
Countries with Partial Visa Restrictions
Seven countries face targeted visa category bans: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Citizens from these nations cannot obtain F visas (student) or J visas (exchange visitor) but may apply for other visa categories.
Key Exemptions to Travel Ban
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders), dual nationals traveling on non-restricted passports, asylees, refugees, diplomatic visa holders, and athletes participating in the 2026 World Cup or 2028 Olympics are exempt. Foreign nationals who held valid visas as of June 9, 2025 remain unaffected by the proclamation.
New U.S. Visa Interview Location Requirements
Starting November 1, 2025, all U.S. immigrant visa applicants must attend interviews exclusively in their country of residence or nationality. This eliminates third-country processing options previously available.
- Determine eligible location: Identify U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence or nationality
- Check appointment availability: Review wait times at designated interview locations through the U.S. State Department website
- Submit DS-260 form: Complete immigrant visa application with correct interview location selection
- Gather required documents: Prepare passport photos meeting U.S. requirements, civil documents, and financial evidence
- Schedule interview: Book appointment at approved location only (no third-country options available)
- Attend biometric appointment: Complete fingerprinting and photograph capture at designated application support center
- Prepare for interview: Bring all original documents, translations, and passport photo specifications compliance proof
Health-Based Visa Screening Requirements
New health-based screening requirements affect visa applicants from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Barbados, and numerous other countries. These stringent regulations took effect in November 2025.
Financial Self-Sufficiency for Healthcare
Applicants must demonstrate financial capability to cover potential healthcare costs during their U.S. stay. This includes proof of health insurance coverage or substantial personal financial resources meeting USCIS standards.
Medical Examination Requirements
All immigrant visa applicants must complete medical examinations by panel physicians approved by U.S. embassies. The examination includes vaccination records verification, tuberculosis screening, and communicable disease testing.
Important Dates and Implementation Timeline
Mark these critical dates for international travel planning and visa applications:
- October 12, 2025: European Entry/Exit System (EES) official launch date across initial Schengen countries
- November 1, 2025: Dover port and Channel crossings begin full EES implementation for all vehicle traffic
- November 1, 2025: U.S. visa interview location restrictions take effect (country of residence only)
- November 17, 2025: Zurich airport implements EES biometric processing for all international arrivals
- April 10, 2026: EES becomes mandatory at all external Schengen borders, replacing passport stamps completely
- May 7, 2025: REAL ID enforcement begins at U.S. airports and federal facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Biometric Data Collection for Every European Trip?
No, biometric registration remains valid for 3 years from your initial enrollment. After registering once with fingerprints and facial photo, subsequent Schengen area entries require only a quick fingerprint or facial scan verification. Children under 12 need only photographs without fingerprint collection.
Can I Still Visit Europe if I'm from a Travel Ban Country?
The U.S. travel ban does not affect European travel. The 19-country U.S. travel ban and Europe's EES system are separate regulations. However, you must comply with EES biometric requirements when entering the Schengen area, regardless of your nationality.
What Happens if My Passport Photo Doesn't Meet New Requirements?
Immigration officials may delay or deny entry if your passport photo doesn't meet current specifications. European EES uses facial recognition technology requiring high-quality biometric photos. Ensure your passport photo meets requirements before traveling to avoid complications at border crossings.
Are Green Card Holders Exempt from the Travel Ban?
Yes, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are explicitly exempt from the U.S. travel ban affecting 19 countries. The proclamation only applies to foreign nationals seeking new visas or those without valid documentation as of June 9, 2025.
How Long Does EES Biometric Registration Take?
First-time EES registration typically takes 5-10 minutes per person at border crossings. Airport implementations report faster processing times with dedicated EES kiosks. Plan for additional wait times during peak travel periods, especially at Dover and other high-volume entry points.
What International Travelers Need to Know Now
These travel restrictions updates represent the most significant changes to international travel requirements in recent years. Whether you're planning European vacations, U.S. immigration, or business travel, understanding these new regulations prevents unexpected delays and entry denials.
Before your next international trip, verify your passport photo meets biometric requirements for both EES and U.S. visa applications. VisaPics helps ensure your passport photo specifications comply with the latest international standards, including facial recognition technology requirements. Check visa requirements early, allow extra time for biometric appointments, and keep updated on additional countries potentially added to restricted lists.