Major Travel Restrictions Take Effect in November 2025
November 2025 marks a significant turning point for international travelers as new travel restrictions and border control measures came into force across Europe and the United States. The European Union's biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) expanded to vehicle traffic at Dover on November 1, 2025, while the U.S. implemented stricter visa interview location requirements for immigrant applicants the same day.
These changes affect millions of travelers worldwide, requiring enhanced documentation, biometric data collection, and stricter compliance with passport photo requirements. Understanding these new rules is essential for anyone planning international travel in the coming months.
Key Border Control Changes in November 2025
Multiple countries implemented significant policy shifts this month, creating new challenges for international travelers:
- EU Biometric System Expansion: Dover Port and Eurotunnel began processing all vehicle traffic through EES on November 1st, requiring fingerprints and facial scans from all non-EU nationals
- U.S. Visa Interview Rules: Immigrant visa applicants must now attend interviews in their country of nationality or residence, ending third-country processing with limited exceptions
- Schengen Border Checks: Austria, Germany, and Denmark ended temporary internal controls on November 11th, while France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden extended checks through March-June 2026
- Enhanced Screening: Traditional passport stamping eliminated at EU borders in favor of electronic border management systems and biometric verification
- Processing Delays: Travelers report significantly longer wait times at major European crossing points due to biometric registration requirements
According to the European Commission, the EES represents the most significant border modernization effort in EU history. The system aims to strengthen security while maintaining efficient travel flows, though initial implementation has created bottlenecks at high-traffic locations like Dover.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 changes impact different traveler categories in specific ways. Here's what you need to know based on your travel plans:
For U.S. Visa Applicants
If you're applying for an immigrant visa to the United States, you must attend your interview in your country of nationality or long-term residence starting November 1, 2025. This eliminates the option of third-country processing that was previously available. Nonimmigrant visa applicants (tourists, students, workers) have been subject to this requirement since September 2025.
For Travelers to Europe
All non-EU nationals traveling to the 30 Schengen countries must provide biometric data when crossing external borders. If you're driving through Dover or taking a ferry to France, expect EES processing that includes fingerprint scanning and facial photography. Your biometric data will be stored for three years and verified at each subsequent border crossing.
For Nationals of Banned Countries
Twelve countries face complete U.S. entry bans: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Seven additional countries face partial suspensions targeting B-1/B-2 tourist visas and certain student/exchange categories. These bans only apply to foreign nationals outside the U.S. who were not issued a visa before June 8, 2025.
How to Prepare for New Border Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure smooth travel under the new restrictions:
- Verify Your Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and meets current biometric standards with machine-readable zones
- Check Visa Requirements: Review whether you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA costs £16 for Americans/Canadians) or other pre-travel approvals for your destination
- Prepare for Biometric Collection: Allow extra time at EU borders for fingerprint and facial scan processing, especially during your first entry under the new EES system
- Update Your Passport Photo: Verify your passport photo meets current requirements - the U.S. now enforces zero-tolerance for AI-edited photos, while Germany banned printed photos entirely
- Schedule Visa Interviews Early: Book U.S. visa appointments in your country of residence well in advance, as interview location restrictions have created scheduling backlogs
- Arrive at Borders Early: Plan for significantly longer processing times, especially at high-traffic points like Dover, where EES registration can add 30-60 minutes to crossing times
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Mark these critical dates to stay compliant with new international travel requirements:
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System officially launched at external Schengen borders for initial rollout phase
- November 1, 2025: Dover Port and Eurotunnel expanded EES to all vehicle traffic; U.S. immigrant visa interview location rules took effect
- November 11, 2025: Austria, Germany, and Denmark ended temporary internal Schengen border checks
- April 10, 2026: Full EES implementation deadline across all 30 Schengen countries and external border crossing points
- May 7, 2025: U.S. domestic travelers must show REAL ID-compliant identification or passport for TSA screening
- Mid-2026 (TBD): European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launch expected for visa-exempt countries including U.S. citizens
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Restrictions
Do I Need to Register for EES Every Time I Enter Europe?
No, you only register once with fingerprints and facial photos. Your biometric data is stored for three years and automatically verified at future border crossings. However, you must re-register if your biometric data expires or if you get a new passport.
Can I Still Apply for a U.S. Visa in a Third Country?
As of November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants must attend interviews in their country of nationality or long-term residence with very limited exceptions. Nonimmigrant applicants have been subject to this rule since September 2025. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy for specific guidance on your situation.
How Long Does EES Processing Take at Dover?
First-time EES registration typically adds 30-60 minutes to border crossing times at Dover, depending on traffic volumes and staffing levels. Subsequent crossings are faster since your biometric data is already registered. Travel during off-peak hours to minimize delays.
Are Travel Bans Permanent or Temporary?
The current U.S. travel bans affecting 19 countries have been in effect since June 2025 with no announced end date. These are policy-based restrictions that can be modified or lifted through executive action or legislative changes, but travelers from affected countries should plan for long-term restrictions.
What International Travelers Need to Know Now
The November 2025 travel restrictions represent the most significant changes to international border control in decades. From biometric data collection at European borders to stricter U.S. visa interview requirements, travelers must adapt to enhanced security measures and longer processing times. The key to successful travel is early preparation and thorough documentation.
Before your next international trip, ensure your passport photo meets current biometric requirements to avoid application delays or rejections. Many travelers use professional services like VisaPics to guarantee their passport photos comply with strict government standards, including the new U.S. zero-tolerance policy for AI-edited images. Check visa requirements early, allow extra time at borders for biometric processing, and stay informed about evolving travel restrictions that may affect your destination.
--- **Sources:** - [European Commission - Entry/Exit System](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/smart-borders/entry-exit-system_en) - [UK Government - EU Entry/Exit System Guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system) - [Fragomen - 2025 Holiday Travel Guidelines](https://www.fragomen.com/insights/united-states-2025-holiday-travel-guidelines-for-foreign-nationals.html) - [U.S. State Department - Visa Bulletin November 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-november-2025.html) - [Boundless - Trump 2025 Travel Ban FAQ](https://www.boundless.com/blog/immigration-resources-trump-2025-travel-ban-faq)