Major Travel Restrictions Updates for November 2025
Travel restrictions updates in November 2025 are bringing significant changes that will affect millions of international travelers. From new U.S. visa interview location requirements taking effect November 1 to the continued expansion of Europe's Entry/Exit System, travelers must stay informed about these evolving regulations.
These changes come amid a broader shift toward stricter border security measures worldwide. Understanding the new requirements is essential for anyone planning international travel in the coming months.
Key Travel Restrictions Changes in November 2025
Several major policy changes are now in effect or taking effect 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—no more third-country processing
- Interview Waivers Eliminated: Since September 2, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, must attend in-person interviews
- EU EES Dover Expansion: Starting November 1, 2025, the Entry/Exit System expands to car passengers at Dover and channel crossings
- Zurich Airport EES Launch: November 17, 2025 marks the start of biometric entry/exit scanning at Zurich airport
- ESTA Fee Increase: The U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization fee increased from $21 to $40 as of September 30, 2025
These changes represent some of the most significant shifts in international travel requirements in recent years. Travelers should verify all requirements well in advance of their departure dates.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 travel restrictions updates impact several distinct groups of travelers differently.
For U.S. Immigrant Visa Applicants
If you're applying for a U.S. immigrant visa, you can no longer schedule your interview at a consulate in a third country. You must apply either in your country of residence or your country of nationality. This change ends a practice that many applicants used to reduce wait times.
For Citizens of Travel-Banned Countries
The June 2025 travel ban continues to affect nationals from 19 countries. Full bans apply to Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions affect Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
For Travelers to Europe
Visitors to the Schengen Area must prepare for biometric registration at an increasing number of entry points. The EU Entry/Exit System will be fully operational across all 30 Schengen countries by April 10, 2026. Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements for biometric systems.
For UK Visitors
The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization is now required for nearly all visa-exempt visitors, including travelers from the U.S. and Europe as of January 8, 2025. The ETA costs approximately $13 and is valid for two years.
How to Prepare for New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with current travel restrictions updates:
- Check your destination's current requirements: Visit official government websites to verify visa, ETA, or ESTA requirements at least 2-3 months before travel
- Verify your passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and has blank pages for stamps
- Apply for required authorizations early: Submit ESTA, UK ETA, or visa applications well in advance—processing times have increased due to new interview requirements
- Prepare compliant passport photos: New biometric systems require photos that meet strict specifications—use VisaPics to ensure your passport photo meets all requirements
- Register for biometric systems: Be prepared for fingerprint and facial recognition scans at EU borders, which will add time to entry procedures
- Carry printed documentation: Keep hard copies of all travel authorizations, as digital systems may experience issues during the EES rollout period
Important Dates and Timeline for 2025-2026
Mark these critical dates for travel restrictions updates:
- November 1, 2025: U.S. immigrant visa interview location restrictions take effect; EU EES expands to Dover crossings
- November 17, 2025: Zurich airport begins EES biometric processing
- April 10, 2026: Full EES deployment completed across all 30 Schengen countries
- Late 2026: ETIAS launches, requiring €20 pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers to Europe
- Ongoing: U.S. travel ban reviews continue—up to 36 additional countries may be added to restrictions list
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Europe in 2025?
If you're from a visa-exempt country like the U.S., UK, Canada, or Australia, you currently don't need a visa for short stays in the Schengen Area. However, you will need to register in the Entry/Exit System at your first point of entry. ETIAS authorization will be required starting late 2026.
Are There Exceptions to the U.S. Travel Ban?
Yes, several exceptions exist. Green card holders are exempt from the ban. Individuals who already had valid visas before June 9, 2025 can still travel. Those already lawfully in the U.S. are not affected and can maintain their current immigration status. Certain diplomatic and humanitarian exceptions also apply.
How Long Does the New Visa Interview Process Take?
Wait times vary significantly by location and visa type. With interview waivers eliminated and third-country processing ended, many consulates report increased wait times of 3-6 months or longer. Apply as early as possible and check specific embassy wait times on the U.S. Department of State website.
Will My Current ESTA Still Be Valid?
Existing approved ESTAs remain valid until their expiration date, regardless of the fee increase. New applications submitted after September 30, 2025 are subject to the $40 fee. ESTAs are valid for two years or until your passport expires.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
November 2025 brings some of the most significant travel restrictions updates in years. The elimination of visa interview waivers, new location requirements for immigrant visa applicants, and the continued rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System mean travelers must plan further ahead than ever before.
Stay informed by regularly checking official government sources for updates. Before any international trip, verify that your visa application meets current requirements and ensure your passport photo complies with specifications for biometric systems. VisaPics can help you create compliant passport and visa photos that meet the strict requirements of these new digital border systems.
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) - [Council on Foreign Relations - Trump's 2025 Travel Ban List](https://www.cfr.org/article/guide-countries-trumps-2025-travel-ban-list) - [Fragomen - EU EES and ETIAS Launch Status](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/european-union-european-travel-information-and-authorisation-system-etias-launch-delayed.html) - [EU Travel Europe - ETIAS Official](https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias) - [NAFSA - Presidential Proclamation Travel Bans](https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/presidential-proclamation-orders-travel-bans)