November 2025 Travel Restrictions: What's Changed
Travel restrictions updates for November 2025 bring significant changes affecting millions of international travelers. From the EU's expanded biometric Entry/Exit System to lifted FAA flight restrictions in the United States, travelers face new requirements at borders worldwide.
These changes follow earlier 2025 implementations including the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization and U.S. REAL ID requirements. Understanding these travel restrictions updates helps ensure smooth border crossings and prevents travel disruptions.
Key Travel Restrictions Updates for November 2025
Several major travel policy changes took effect or expanded in November 2025.
- EU Entry/Exit System Expansion: Starting November 1, EES now applies to car passengers at Dover and Channel crossings between UK and Europe
- Zurich Airport EES Launch: November 17, 2025 marks the start of biometric processing for all international arrivals at Zurich airport
- U.S. Visa Interview Changes: Effective November 1, all immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of residence or nationality only
- FAA Flight Restrictions Lifted: November 16, 2025 ended all restrictions on commercial flights at 40 major U.S. airports
- Space Launch Restrictions Removed: General aviation flight restrictions at 12 airports also lifted alongside commercial flight restrictions
These travel restrictions updates represent the ongoing global shift toward digitized border management and enhanced security screening. Travelers should verify current requirements before booking flights.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions Updates
Different traveler groups face varying impacts from November's travel restrictions updates. Here's what specific groups need to know.
For U.S. Citizens Traveling to Europe
American travelers crossing through Dover or flying into Zurich now face EES biometric registration. This includes fingerprint scanning and facial recognition at passport control. No advance registration is required—processing happens at the border.
For Immigrant Visa Applicants
The end of third-country visa processing significantly impacts applicants living outside their home country. You must now schedule interviews in your country of residence or request processing in your country of nationality. This may require additional travel or longer wait times.
For Domestic U.S. Travelers
The lifted FAA restrictions restore normal flight operations after the government shutdown concerns. However, REAL ID requirements remain in effect since May 7, 2025. All domestic air travelers 18 and older must present REAL ID-compliant identification or a valid passport.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with current travel restrictions updates.
- Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport meets the six-month validity requirement for most international destinations and has blank pages for stamps
- Apply for UK ETA: If traveling to the UK, apply online at least 72 hours before departure—the $13 authorization links to your passport for two years
- Prepare for EES Processing: Allow extra time at European borders for biometric registration, especially at newly implemented locations like Dover
- Verify REAL ID Status: Check that your state-issued ID has the star marking indicating REAL ID compliance, or bring your passport for domestic flights
- Confirm Visa Interview Location: Immigrant visa applicants should verify their interview is scheduled in the correct consular district for their current residence
Important Dates and Timeline for 2025-2026
Mark these key dates related to travel restrictions updates and upcoming requirements.
- September 30, 2025: ESTA fee increased from $21 to $40 for travelers to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program
- November 1, 2025: EU EES expanded to Dover crossings and Channel ferries; U.S. visa interview location restrictions take effect
- November 17, 2025: Zurich airport begins full EES biometric processing for international arrivals
- April 10, 2026: Full EES deployment expected across all 30 Schengen countries
- Late 2026: EU ETIAS system expected to launch requiring advance travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Register for the EU Entry/Exit System Before Travel?
No advance registration is required for EES. The system automatically registers your biometric data when you arrive at a European border. Simply allow extra time at passport control for fingerprint and facial scanning during your first entry.
What Happens If I Don't Have a REAL ID for Domestic Flights?
If your state ID isn't REAL ID-compliant, bring your valid U.S. passport or passport card instead. Other acceptable alternatives include military IDs and certain trusted traveler cards. TSA may also use alternative identity verification procedures.
Are There Still U.S. Travel Bans in Effect?
Yes, Presidential Proclamation 10949 established travel restrictions on 19 countries effective June 9, 2025. Twelve countries face full visa and entry suspensions: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Seven additional countries have partial restrictions.
When Will ETIAS Be Required for Europe Travel?
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is now expected to launch in late 2026. This will require visa-exempt travelers, including U.S. citizens, to obtain advance authorization before visiting Schengen Area countries. The fee will be approximately €7.
What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip
These travel restrictions updates signal continued global movement toward digital border systems and enhanced security measures. Travelers should expect biometric processing to become standard at more entry points throughout 2026, with full EES implementation across all Schengen countries expected by April.
Before any international trip, verify your destination's current entry requirements and ensure your passport photo meets specifications for any required visa applications. Keep documents valid and allow extra processing time at borders implementing new biometric systems. For the latest passport photo requirements for your specific destination, check our comprehensive country guides to ensure compliance with official government specifications.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin November 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-november-2025.html) - [ABC News - New Travel Requirements 2025](https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/new-travel-requirements-taking-effect-2025-domestic-international/story?id=117228874) - [National Geographic - Travel Updates 2025](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/domestic-international-travel-updates) - [Passport Index - Key Travel Updates 2025](https://discover.passportindex.org/policy-and-regulations/key-travel-updates-for-2025/) - [Stuck at the Airport - FAA Restrictions Lifted](https://stuckattheairport.com/2025/11/16/flight-restrictions-lifted-at-all-airports-more-travel-tidbits/)