November 2025 Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know
Travel restrictions updates for November 2025 bring significant changes that affect millions of international travelers. From expanded U.S. visa bans to Europe's new biometric entry system, understanding these requirements is essential before booking your next trip.
The past few months have seen unprecedented changes to global travel policies. Whether you're planning a business trip, vacation, or family visit, these new rules could impact your travel plans and visa application process.
Key Travel Restriction Changes for November 2025
Here are the most critical travel restrictions updates affecting international travelers this month:
- U.S. Visa Interview Location Restrictions: As of November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of residence or nationality—third-country processing is no longer permitted
- EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Expansion: Biometric scanning now covers Dover car passengers and Zurich airport as of November 17, 2025, with full deployment by April 2026
- U.S. Travel Ban on 19 Countries: Full or partial visa restrictions remain in effect for nationals from 19 countries, with possible expansion to 36 additional nations
- Mandatory Visa Interviews: Since September 2, 2025, nearly all U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews, including those under 14 and over 79
- H-1B Fee Increase: New H-1B petitions require an additional $100,000 payment as of September 21, 2025
- UK ETA Enforcement: All visa-exempt visitors to the UK must register for an Electronic Travel Authorization before arrival
These changes represent the most significant overhaul of international travel requirements in years. Additionally, travelers should note that ETIAS for European travel has been delayed until late 2026.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 travel restrictions updates impact various groups of travelers differently. Understanding your specific situation is crucial for proper planning.
For U.S.-Bound Travelers
Citizens from the 12 fully banned countries (Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen) cannot obtain U.S. visas. Seven additional countries face partial restrictions on specific visa categories including F and J student/exchange visas.
For Europe-Bound Travelers
Non-EU citizens must prepare for biometric registration at Schengen borders. The EES system captures fingerprints and facial images, creating a digital record of each entry and exit. While ETIAS is delayed until 2026, travelers should monitor announcements.
For UK-Bound Travelers
Americans, Canadians, Australians, and other visa-exempt nationals now need a UK ETA before travel. The authorization costs approximately $21 (£16) and remains valid for two years with multiple entries allowed.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with the latest travel restrictions:
- Check your destination's requirements: Visit official government websites to verify current visa and authorization needs for your nationality
- Apply for required authorizations early: UK ETA applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel; allow extra processing time during peak periods
- Prepare proper documentation: Gather your passport, previous travel history, and accommodation details for any authorization applications
- Ensure your passport photo meets requirements: Both UK ETA and future EU ETIAS applications require compliant photos—use a reliable service like VisaPics to create photos that meet official specifications
- Schedule visa interviews promptly: With the elimination of interview waivers, appointment wait times have increased significantly at many U.S. consulates
- Monitor travel advisories: Check for updates regularly as additional countries may be added to restriction lists
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for 2025-2026 travel planning:
- November 1, 2025: U.S. immigrant visa interviews restricted to country of residence/nationality
- November 17, 2025: EU EES biometric scanning begins at Zurich airport
- April 10, 2026: Full EU Entry/Exit System deployment across all Schengen borders
- Late 2026: EU ETIAS travel authorization expected to launch (delayed from 2025)
- Ongoing: Periodic reviews of U.S. travel ban list may add or remove countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ETIAS to travel to Europe in 2025?
No, ETIAS has been delayed until late 2026. Currently, visa-exempt travelers can still visit Schengen countries without pre-authorization. However, the EU Entry/Exit System is now operational and will require biometric registration at borders. Once ETIAS launches, there will be a 6-month transition period before enforcement begins.
What happens if I'm from a country on the U.S. travel ban list?
If you're from one of the 12 fully banned countries, visa issuance is suspended. Some exceptions exist for green card holders and those with visas issued before June 8, 2025. If you're already in the U.S., you are not affected regardless of your immigration status. Consult an immigration attorney for case-specific guidance.
How do I apply for a UK ETA?
Apply through the official UK ETA app or website at least 72 hours before travel. You'll need your passport details, a recent digital photo, and payment of £16 (approximately $21). Most applications are approved within minutes, but some may take up to 3 working days. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport.
Are visa interview waivers still available for U.S. visas?
No, as of September 2, 2025, the U.S. eliminated most visa interview waivers. Nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews, including children under 14 and adults over 79 who were previously exempt. This has significantly increased wait times at U.S. consulates worldwide.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The travel restrictions updates for November 2025 create new hurdles for international travelers. Key takeaways include the U.S. travel ban affecting 19 countries with possible expansion, mandatory visa interviews, and Europe's rolling implementation of biometric border controls. The UK ETA is now required for previously visa-exempt visitors.
Planning ahead is more important than ever. Before your next trip, verify all documentation requirements, ensure your passport photo meets current specifications using VisaPics' compliance tools, and apply for necessary authorizations well in advance. Check our visa photo requirements guide to ensure your application isn't delayed by photo rejections.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State - Visa Information](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html) - [EU Travel Information - EES/ETIAS](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias) - [ABC News - New Travel Requirements 2025](https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/new-travel-requirements-taking-effect-2025-domestic-international/story?id=117228874) - [Council on Foreign Relations - Trump's 2025 Travel Ban](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [Fragomen - ETIAS/EES Launch Status](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/european-union-european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system-etias-launch-delayed.html)