Travel Restrictions Updates November 2025: 7 Critical Changes You Must Know

Major Travel Restrictions Updates Reshape International Travel in November 2025

International travel restrictions underwent significant changes in November 2025, affecting millions of travelers worldwide. The United Kingdom announced strict enforcement of its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system starting February 25, 2026, while the U.S. Transportation Security Administration launched a new identity verification program on November 20, 2025. These travel restrictions updates come as the holiday travel season approaches, making it essential for travelers to understand the new requirements.

From biometric data collection to updated visa interview policies, governments across the globe are implementing stricter border controls and digital authorization systems. These changes affect both leisure and business travelers, with some restrictions already in effect and others scheduled to begin in early 2026.

Key Travel Restrictions Changes Effective November 2025

Seven critical travel restrictions and border control updates have been implemented or announced in November 2025:

• UK ETA Mandatory Enforcement: From February 25, 2026, visitors from 85 countries cannot board transport to the UK without an approved ETA (£16 application fee, valid for 2 years)
• TSA Identity Verification Program: New optional $18 biometric verification system launched November 20, 2025, for travelers without REAL ID or passport at TSA checkpoints
• U.S. Travel Ban Continuation: Full entry bans remain in effect for 12 countries (Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen) since June 9, 2025
• Increased Travel Authorization Fees: ESTA fees increased from $40 to $40.27, and EVUS fees rose from $30 to $30.75 effective November 2025
• EU Biometric Entry/Exit System: Non-EU nationals must provide fingerprints and facial scans when crossing Schengen borders, with expanded rollout at Dover starting November 1, 2025
• Schengen Internal Border Checks: Seven countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden) extended internal border checks through March-June 2026
• U.S. Visa Interview Requirement: All immigrant visa applicants must attend interviews in their country of nationality or residence as of November 1, 2025 (no more third-country processing)

These travel restrictions represent the most significant changes to international border controls in recent years. Travelers should verify requirements well in advance of their departure dates, as processing times for electronic authorizations can take up to three business days in some cases.

Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions

The November 2025 travel restrictions updates affect different traveler categories in specific ways. Understanding which restrictions apply to your travel plans is crucial for avoiding disruptions.

For European and Commonwealth Travelers to the UK

Visitors from the EU, United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, UAE, and 77 other countries must obtain a UK ETA before February 25, 2026. British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from this requirement. More than 13.3 million ETAs have been issued since the program launched, demonstrating widespread adoption.

For U.S.-Bound Travelers

Citizens from 19 countries face either full or partial U.S. travel bans that began June 9, 2025. Full bans apply to nationals from 12 countries across all visa categories, while seven additional countries face partial restrictions on B-1/B-2 tourist/business visas and F/J student/exchange visas. Green card holders, valid visa holders as of June 9, 2025, and dual nationals traveling on non-restricted passports are exempt.

For Schengen Area Visitors

All non-EU nationals entering the 30 Schengen countries must now provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) at border crossings under the Entry/Exit System (EES) that officially launched October 12, 2025. This requirement applies at all external Schengen borders, including airports, seaports, and land crossings.

How to Prepare for New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step

Follow these actionable steps to ensure compliance with the latest travel restrictions before your international trip:

1. Check ETA/ESTA Requirements: Visit official government websites (gov.uk for UK ETA, esta.cbp.dhs.gov for U.S. ESTA) to verify if your nationality requires pre-travel authorization and apply at least 72 hours before departure
2. Verify Passport Photo Compliance: Ensure your passport photo meets current biometric requirements, as outdated photos may cause delays at automated border control systems equipped with facial recognition technology
3. Update REAL ID Status: If traveling domestically in the U.S., obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license before the May 7, 2025 enforcement deadline, or plan to use your passport for domestic flights
4. Review Visa Interview Requirements: For U.S. immigrant visa applicants, schedule your interview appointment in your country of nationality or residence, as third-country processing ended November 1, 2025
5. Allow Extra Time at Borders: Plan for additional 15-20 minutes at EU borders for biometric data collection (first-time EES enrollments), and arrive at airports 3 hours before international flights during the holiday season

Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions

Mark these critical deadlines on your calendar to avoid travel disruptions:

• January 8, 2025: UK ETA requirement began for most non-visa nationals (enforcement grace period continues through February 24, 2026)
• February 25, 2026: UK strictly enforces ETA requirement - travelers without approved ETAs cannot board transport to the UK
• May 7, 2025: U.S. Department of Homeland Security begins enforcing REAL ID requirements for domestic air travel at all U.S. airports
• June 9, 2025 (ongoing): U.S. travel bans remain in effect for 19 countries with no announced end date
• March-June 2026: Current Schengen internal border checks scheduled to expire for seven countries (subject to further extensions based on security assessments)

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Restrictions

Do I Need a UK ETA If I'm Just Transiting Through London?

It depends on your transit type. If you're taking a connecting flight and going through UK passport control, you need an ETA. However, if you're transiting through Heathrow or Manchester airports without going through UK passport control (airside transit), you currently do not need an ETA. Always verify with your airline before traveling.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for UK ETA or U.S. ESTA?

Most UK ETA applications receive automatic decisions within minutes, though the UK government recommends allowing three working days for applications requiring additional review. U.S. ESTA applications are typically approved within minutes, but travelers should apply at least 72 hours before departure. Both authorizations can be denied, so early application is essential.

Can I Apply for a UK ETA If My Passport Expires Soon?

Yes, but your ETA will expire when your passport expires. ETAs are valid for two years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first. If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETA with your new passport number. The £16 fee applies to each new application, so consider passport validity when planning your travel timeline.

What You Need to Know About These Travel Restrictions

The travel restrictions updates in November 2025 represent a fundamental shift toward digital pre-authorization and biometric border control systems worldwide. With the UK's strict ETA enforcement beginning February 25, 2026, and ongoing U.S. travel bans affecting 19 countries, international travelers must stay informed about requirements specific to their destinations and nationalities.

Before booking international travel, verify the latest requirements at official government websites and ensure your passport photo meets current biometric standards for automated border systems. Consider using professional visa photo services like VisaPics to guarantee your passport photos comply with the latest specifications for over 172 countries and 952 document types, helping you avoid delays at increasingly automated border checkpoints equipped with facial recognition technology.

--- **Sources:** - [UK Home Office - Electronic Travel Authorisation Factsheet November 2025](https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-november-2025/) - [Euronews - UK to Enforce New ETA Entry Rules from February 2026](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/11/24/no-permission-no-travel-uk-to-enforce-new-digital-travel-permit-rules-from-february-2026) - [Fragomen - United States 2025 Holiday Travel Guidelines](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-2025-holiday-travel-guidelines-for-foreign-nationals.html) - [Lexology - Immigration Update November 24, 2025](https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=fb38194f-5393-4fe7-bf3d-016821d11bf7) - [American Immigration Council - Trump's 2025 Travel Ban](https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/trump-2025-travel-ban/)