Major Travel Restrictions Updates for November 2025
Travel restrictions updates for November 2025 bring significant changes affecting millions of international travelers. The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) expanded to car passengers at Dover on November 1st, while new U.S. visa interview requirements and ongoing travel bans continue to reshape global mobility.
These changes require immediate attention from anyone planning international travel. From biometric screening at European borders to stricter U.S. visa processing rules, travelers must stay informed to avoid delays and complications.
Key Travel Restrictions Changes in November 2025
Here are the most critical updates affecting international travelers this month:
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Expanded to car passengers at Dover and channel crossings starting November 1, 2025
- Zurich Airport EES: Biometric entry/exit scanning begins November 17, 2025
- U.S. Visa Interviews: All immigrant visa applicants must now interview in their country of nationality or residence
- U.S. Travel Ban: 19 countries face full or partial visa suspensions since June 2025
- Health-Based Screening: New requirements for all U.S. visa applicants to demonstrate healthcare self-sufficiency
- Visa Bond Pilot: Malawi and Zambia applicants may need bonds of $5,000-$15,000
These travel restrictions updates represent the most significant changes to international travel policies in years. The EU's biometric system alone will process millions of travelers annually at Schengen borders.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
These changes impact different groups of travelers in various ways. Understanding your specific situation is crucial for planning.
For U.S.-Bound Travelers
If you're applying for a U.S. visa, you must now attend interviews in your country of nationality or legal residence. Third-country processing is no longer available. Additionally, stricter scrutiny applies to all applicants, particularly students and those with any law enforcement interactions.
For Europe-Bound Travelers
Non-EU nationals entering Schengen countries must now provide biometric data including fingerprints and facial scans. This applies at all external borders, with full deployment expected by April 10, 2026. If you're driving through Dover or taking ferries to France, expect EES processing.
For Nationals of Banned Countries
Citizens of the 12 fully banned countries (Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen) cannot obtain any U.S. visas. Those from 7 partially banned countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela) face restrictions on immigrant and certain nonimmigrant visas.
How to Prepare for New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure smooth international travel under the new requirements:
- Check your visa status: Verify if your current visa remains valid—existing valid visas and green cards are not affected by bans
- Schedule interviews early: U.S. visa wait times exceed 6-11 months in many cities (Mumbai: 11 months, New Delhi: 6.5 months)
- Prepare biometric documents: Ensure your passport photo meets requirements for both U.S. and EU applications
- Allow extra border time: EES biometric processing adds time at European entry points—arrive early
- Consult immigration counsel: If you have any law enforcement history or are from an affected country, seek legal advice before traveling
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for travel restrictions updates:
- November 1, 2025: EU EES expanded to car passengers at Dover and channel crossings
- November 17, 2025: Zurich airport begins EES biometric processing for all arrivals
- April 10, 2026: Full EES deployment across all 30 Schengen countries
- Late Q4 2026: EU ETIAS travel authorization expected to launch (€20 fee for ages 18-70)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe now?
No, ETIAS is not yet required. The system will launch in late 2026, followed by a 6-month transitional period. Currently, U.S. and other visa-exempt travelers can enter Schengen countries without ETIAS approval.
What if I already have a valid U.S. visa from a banned country?
If you were issued a U.S. visa before June 8, 2025, you can still use it to enter the United States. The travel ban only affects new visa applications submitted after that date. Green card holders are also exempt.
How long will EES biometric processing take at borders?
Initial processing may add 5-15 minutes per traveler as the system rolls out. Once fully operational, the process should be faster. First-time visitors will need to register fingerprints and facial images, while returning travelers will have quicker verification.
Are there exemptions to the U.S. travel ban?
Yes. Exemptions include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), dual nationals traveling on non-banned country passports, athletes for major sporting events, Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders, and immediate family immigrant visa cases with clear identity evidence.
What You Need to Know About Travel Restrictions
These November 2025 travel restrictions updates represent fundamental shifts in how international travel is processed and monitored. The combination of biometric systems in Europe and stricter U.S. visa requirements means travelers must plan further ahead and prepare more thoroughly than ever before.
Before any international trip, verify that your passport photo meets current specifications for your destination country. With visa wait times stretching to nearly a year in some locations, starting your application early is essential. Use VisaPics to ensure your visa photo requirements are met correctly the first time, avoiding costly delays and resubmissions during this period of heightened scrutiny.