Major Travel Restrictions Changes Now in Effect
As of November 1, 2025, international travelers face significant new travel restrictions and entry requirements across multiple regions. The European Union officially launched its Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, requiring biometric registration for all non-EU visitors, while U.S. travel bans implemented in June continue to affect 19 countries with no expiration date.
These changes impact millions of travelers worldwide, affecting everything from passport photo requirements to visa processing timelines. Understanding these updates is critical for anyone planning international travel in the coming months.
EU Entry/Exit System: What Changed on October 12
The EU's new biometric border control system represents the most significant change to European travel in decades. Here's what you need to know:
- Biometric Registration Required: All non-EU visitors must provide facial scans and fingerprints at border control upon first entry
- 29 Countries Affected: The system covers all Schengen Area countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Greece
- No More Passport Stamps: Physical passport stamps are being phased out and replaced with digital records stored for three years
- Progressive Rollout: At least 10% of border points operational by December 2025, with full implementation by April 10, 2026
- Longer Wait Times Expected: Initial processing may take 5-7 minutes per traveler during the transition period
The EES system stores biometric data for three years, allowing faster processing on subsequent visits. However, travelers should expect delays at borders during the six-month transition period as staff and systems adjust to the new requirements.
U.S. Travel Bans Continue to Impact 19 Countries
The U.S. travel restrictions implemented on June 9, 2025, remain in full effect with no expiration date. These bans represent the most comprehensive travel restrictions since previous travel ban policies.
Full Travel Ban Countries (12 Nations)
Citizens from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen face complete visa issuance suspension. No new visas are being issued for any visa category, including tourist, student, or work visas.
Partial Travel Ban Countries (7 Nations)
Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face restrictions on specific visa types. Citizens cannot obtain B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F/M/J student visas, or most immigrant visas, though limited exceptions apply for humanitarian cases.
Important Exemptions to the Travel Ban
If you hold a valid visa issued before June 9, 2025, you are not affected by the ban. Additionally, current green card holders and dual nationals traveling on non-designated country passports remain exempt from these restrictions.
How to Navigate New Visa Interview Requirements
Starting November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants must attend interviews in their country of nationality or long-term residence. This change eliminates most third-country visa processing options.
- Verify Interview Location: Check the U.S. embassy website for your country of nationality to confirm available appointment dates
- Prepare Required Documents: Ensure your passport photo meets current requirements, with most U.S. visas requiring 2x2 inch photos taken within the last six months
- Schedule Early: Interview wait times have increased by 30-45 days in many countries due to the new location restrictions
- Check Waiver Eligibility: Interview waivers were significantly reduced starting October 1, 2025, affecting renewal applicants who previously qualified
- Gather Biometric Data: Some visa categories now require additional biometric enrollment at designated collection centers
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Changes
Mark these critical dates to stay compliant with new travel restrictions:
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System launched with progressive rollout across Schengen countries
- November 1, 2025: New U.S. immigrant visa interview location requirements take effect
- December 2025: EU biometric checks expand to minimum 10% of all border crossing points
- January 8, 2026: UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) mandatory for U.S. citizens and 47 other countries
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System becomes fully operational at all external borders
- May 2026 (Expected): European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) launches for visa-exempt travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need New Passport Photos for EU Travel Under EES?
While the EU Entry/Exit System captures biometric facial scans at borders, your passport photo must still meet ICAO standards. Most passport photos are valid for six months after being taken, but renewal may be required if your appearance has significantly changed. When applying for visas or travel authorizations like ETIAS, ensure your passport photo meets the specific country's requirements.
Can I Still Travel to the U.S. If I'm From a Banned Country?
If you hold a valid visa or green card issued before June 9, 2025, you can still travel to the United States. The travel ban only affects new visa applications. Dual nationals can enter using a passport from a non-designated country. Humanitarian exceptions exist but require extensive documentation and approval.
How Long Does Biometric Registration Take at EU Borders?
First-time EES registration takes approximately 5-7 minutes per traveler, including facial scanning and fingerprint capture. Subsequent entries are faster, typically 2-3 minutes. During peak travel periods in November and December 2025, expect additional delays as the system is still in its rollout phase. Arrive at borders at least 30 minutes earlier than usual.
Will the U.S. Travel Ban Be Expanded to More Countries?
The travel ban includes a review mechanism every 90 days initially, then every 180 days. Reports suggest up to 36 additional countries, primarily in Africa, may be added unless they meet specific security and information-sharing benchmarks. However, no official announcement has been made regarding expansion as of November 2025.
What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip
The travel landscape has fundamentally changed in late 2025, with biometric requirements becoming standard across Europe and visa restrictions tightening in the United States. Plan for longer processing times at borders, earlier visa application submissions, and additional documentation requirements.
Before booking international travel, verify that your passport photo meets current requirements for both your passport and any visa applications. Most countries now require biometric passport photos taken within the last six months, with specific dimension and quality standards. Check our comprehensive visa photo specifications to ensure your travel documents are accepted without delays, and stay informed about ongoing policy changes that may affect your travel plans.