Major Travel Restrictions Now in Effect Worldwide
Sweeping travel restrictions updates have transformed international travel in 2025, affecting millions of travelers worldwide. The United States implemented a comprehensive travel ban on June 9, 2025, restricting entry for citizens from 19 countries, while the European Union launched biometric screening requirements across 29 nations starting October 12, 2025. These changes represent the most significant shift in global border policies in over a decade.
Understanding these travel restrictions is crucial for anyone planning international trips, applying for visas, or relocating abroad. The new requirements affect visa applications, border entry procedures, and documentation standards across multiple continents.
U.S. Travel Ban: 19 Countries Face Entry Restrictions
The presidential proclamation effective June 9, 2025, at 12:01am EDT established two categories of restrictions for foreign nationals.
- Full Travel Ban (12 countries): Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen face complete visa suspensions
- Partial Restrictions (7 countries): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela citizens cannot obtain F-1 student visas or J-1 exchange visitor visas
- Potential Expansion: Reports indicate 36 additional countries, primarily in Africa, may be added unless they meet specific security benchmarks
- Economic Impact: The travel ban could cost the U.S. economy billions in reduced tourism, education, and business travel revenue
The restrictions apply to new visa applications submitted after the June 9, 2025 deadline. However, several important exemptions exist for travelers who obtained documentation before the ban took effect.
Who Is Affected by Travel Restrictions Updates
The 2025 travel restrictions impact different traveler categories in distinct ways. Understanding your status helps determine whether you can enter the United States or European Union.
For Citizens of Banned Countries
Citizens from the 19 restricted countries cannot obtain new U.S. visas after June 9, 2025. Full-ban country citizens face indefinite entry restrictions, while partial-ban country citizens can still apply for certain visa categories like H-1B work visas or immigrant visas for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. However, these travelers must ensure their passport photo meets current requirements when applying for any exempt visa categories.
For Green Card Holders and Visa Holders
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) from any country are completely exempt from the travel ban and can travel freely. Foreign nationals who received valid visas before June 9, 2025, can still use those visas to enter the United States until they expire.
For EU and UK Travelers
Starting October 12, 2025, all non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Zone must provide biometric data including fingerprints and facial photos. This applies to visa-exempt travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries. Additionally, starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens entering the U.S., including green card holders, must undergo facial recognition and fingerprint scans with no age exemptions.
How to Navigate New Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure compliance with updated travel restrictions and avoid entry denials.
- Check Your Country's Status: Verify whether your nationality faces full restrictions, partial restrictions, or no restrictions using official government resources
- Review Exemption Eligibility: Determine if you qualify for exemptions as a green card holder, dual citizen, immediate relative of a U.S. citizen, or valid visa holder
- Prepare Required Biometric Data: If traveling to the EU after October 12, 2025, or the U.S. after December 26, 2025, be ready for fingerprint and facial recognition scanning
- Update Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and check visa application requirements for your destination
- Verify Photo Requirements: Confirm your visa or passport application photos meet biometric standards for facial recognition systems now used at borders worldwide
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Mark these critical deadlines to avoid travel disruptions and application delays.
- June 9, 2025 (12:01am EDT): U.S. travel ban takes effect for 19 countries; visas issued before this date remain valid
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launches requiring biometric data from all non-EU travelers entering 29 Schengen countries
- November 1, 2025: Immigrant visa applicants must attend interviews in their country of nationality or long-term residence
- November 5, 2025: U.S. Department of Homeland Security ends automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extensions for renewal applicants
- November 11, 2025: United Kingdom implements major border and immigration rule reforms including universal "Suitability" standards
- December 26, 2025: Biometric screening becomes mandatory for all non-citizens entering the United States, eliminating previous age exemptions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Travel to the U.S. If I'm From a Banned Country?
Yes, if you obtained a valid U.S. visa before June 9, 2025, you can still use it to enter the country until it expires. Additionally, green card holders from banned countries are completely exempt from the travel ban. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, refugees, and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders may also qualify for exemptions regardless of when they apply.
What Biometric Data Does the EU Entry/Exit System Collect?
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) collects fingerprints from all ten fingers and facial photographs at border checkpoints. This data is stored for three years and replaces traditional passport stamping. You only need to register once; subsequent entries within three years use your stored biometric data for faster processing at automated gates.
Do Green Card Holders Need Biometric Screening When Entering the U.S.?
Yes, starting December 26, 2025, all non-citizens including green card holders must undergo facial recognition and fingerprint scans when entering or exiting the United States. Previous exemptions for children under 14 and seniors over 79 have been eliminated. This requirement applies regardless of your immigration status or how many times you've entered the U.S. before.
Can the U.S. Travel Ban Be Waived for Certain Visa Categories?
Yes, citizens from partial-ban countries can still apply for visa categories not explicitly restricted, such as H-1B work visas or immediate relative immigrant visas. Additionally, consular officers have limited authority to grant case-by-case waivers if the applicant demonstrates their entry serves the national interest. However, these waivers are rare and require substantial documentation.
What You Need to Know About Travel Restrictions
The 2025 travel restrictions represent a fundamental shift in global border security, with biometric screening becoming the new standard across the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom. If you're from one of the 19 restricted countries, review exemption criteria carefully and consult with an immigration attorney before making travel plans. Moreover, travelers from all countries should prepare for enhanced biometric data collection at international borders.
Before applying for any visa or booking international travel, ensure your passport photo meets the biometric requirements now used by facial recognition systems worldwide. Furthermore, allow extra time for visa processing as interview requirements have become more stringent, with immigrant visa applicants now required to attend interviews in their country of residence starting November 1, 2025. Check our visa photo specifications to ensure your documentation complies with the latest standards and avoid application delays.
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