November 2025 Travel Restrictions Overview
Travel restrictions updates for November 2025 bring significant changes that will affect millions of international travelers worldwide. Starting this month, the U.S. has implemented stricter visa interview requirements, expanded health screening protocols, and maintained travel bans affecting 19 countries.
Additionally, Europe's Entry/Exit System (EES) continues its phased rollout with new biometric requirements at major border crossings. Understanding these changes is essential for anyone planning international travel in late 2025 or early 2026.
Key Travel Restrictions Changes for November 2025
Here are the most critical travel policy updates taking effect this month:
- U.S. Visa Interview Mandate: All nonimmigrant visa applicants must now attend in-person interviews, including those under 14 and over 79—interview waivers have been eliminated
- Country of Residence Requirement: U.S. immigrant visa applicants must now interview in their country of nationality or legal residence only
- Health-Based Screening: Consular officers now evaluate applicants' chronic medical conditions to assess potential reliance on public assistance
- 19-Country Travel Ban: Full or partial entry restrictions continue for nationals from Afghanistan, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and 15 other countries
- EU EES Expansion: Biometric scanning now required for car passengers at Dover and Channel crossings starting November 1
- Switzerland EES Launch: Zurich airport implements Entry/Exit System biometric scanning on November 17, 2025
These changes represent the most substantial overhaul of international travel requirements since the pandemic. Travelers should verify their eligibility and prepare documentation well in advance of departure dates.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 travel restrictions affect different traveler groups in distinct ways. Here's what you need to know based on your situation:
For U.S. Visa Applicants
If you're applying for any U.S. visa, you must now attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country or country of legal residence. Third-country processing is no longer available, which may significantly extend wait times in countries with limited consular capacity.
For Nationals of Banned Countries
Citizens of 12 countries face complete entry bans: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Seven additional countries—including Cuba, Venezuela, and Laos—have partial restrictions affecting student (F) and exchange (J) visas.
For European Travelers
If you're traveling through EU/Schengen borders, prepare for biometric registration including fingerprint scans and facial photographs. The EES rollout continues through April 2026, with full enforcement beginning at all 30 Schengen country borders.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure smooth international travel under the new restrictions:
- Check Your Visa Status: Verify your visa validity and ensure it was issued before any applicable travel ban dates (June 8, 2025 for affected nationalities)
- Schedule Interviews Early: Book U.S. visa interviews 3-6 months in advance due to eliminated waivers and increased demand
- Gather Medical Documentation: Prepare health insurance proof and medical records if you have chronic conditions
- Update Your Passport Photo: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements—biometric systems require high-quality images that match your current appearance
- Register for EES: Europeans traveling to the UK should apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), while US citizens should prepare for upcoming ETIAS requirements
- Allow Extra Border Time: Budget additional time at EU borders for biometric enrollment during the EES transition period
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for 2025-2026 travel planning:
- November 1, 2025: EU EES biometric scanning begins at Dover and Channel crossings for vehicle passengers
- November 17, 2025: Zurich Airport implements full EES biometric entry/exit system
- April 10, 2026: Complete EU Entry/Exit System enforcement across all 30 Schengen countries
- Q4 2026: ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) expected to launch for visa-exempt travelers
- Ongoing: U.S. monitoring 36+ additional countries for potential travel ban expansion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel to the U.S. if my country is on the travel ban list?
If you have a valid visa issued before June 8, 2025, you may still enter the U.S. in most cases. Refugees, asylum seekers, and those with Convention Against Torture protections are also exempt. However, no new visas are being issued to nationals of fully banned countries.
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe in November 2025?
No, ETIAS is not yet required. The system is expected to launch in late 2026, approximately one year after the EES implementation. Currently, visa-exempt travelers (including Americans) can still enter the Schengen Area without pre-authorization, though you'll need to complete EES biometric registration at the border.
How long will biometric registration take at EU borders?
First-time registrations typically take 2-5 minutes per person and include fingerprint scans and facial photographs. Subsequent entries will be faster as the system recognizes returning travelers. During the transition period, allow 30-60 extra minutes at major crossings.
Will my U.S. visa interview waiver still be honored?
No. As of September 2, 2025, all visa interview waivers have been eliminated. Even applicants who previously qualified for waivers (including seniors and children) must now attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The November 2025 travel restrictions represent a significant shift toward stricter border controls worldwide. U.S. travelers face new interview requirements and health screenings, while European border crossings now require biometric registration. Nationals of 19 countries face varying degrees of travel bans that may expand to include additional nations.
Preparation is essential for smooth international travel. Start your visa application process early, ensure your passport photo specifications are up to date for biometric systems, and verify your eligibility before booking travel. Check official government sources regularly, as policies continue to evolve. VisaPics can help ensure your travel documents meet all current requirements for your destination country.