Major Travel Restrictions Take Effect in October 2025
October 2025 marks a significant turning point for international travelers as the European Union officially launched its Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, requiring biometric data from all non-EU visitors. This comes alongside ongoing US travel restrictions affecting 19 countries and controversial visa policy changes that could impact your upcoming travel plans.
These updates affect millions of travelers worldwide, from tourists visiting Europe to professionals applying for US work visas. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone planning international travel or visa applications in the coming months.
EU Entry/Exit System: Biometric Requirements Now in Effect
The most significant change this month is the EU's new biometric border control system. Here's what travelers need to know:
- Launch Date: October 12, 2025 - gradual rollout began across all Schengen border crossings
- Biometric Requirements: Travelers aged 12 and above must provide fingerprints, facial scans, and passport information upon first arrival
- End of Passport Stamps: Manual passport stamping will end by April 10, 2026 when full implementation is complete
- Gradual Implementation: Countries must register 10% of travelers by 30 days, 35% by 90 days, 50% by 150 days, and 100% by day 180 (April 9, 2026)
- Faster Processing: Biometric passport holders can use self-service kiosks where available for quicker border crossings
- One-Time Registration: Biometric data remains valid for three years or until passport expires, whichever comes first
During the transition period through April 2026, travelers may still receive traditional passport stamps even after EES registration to ensure continuity at border crossings not yet using the technology. Additionally, the system automatically tracks your days in the Schengen zone, making it easier to comply with the 90-day visa-free limit.
US Travel Ban Continues to Impact 19 Countries
Presidential Proclamation 10949, which took effect on June 9, 2025, remains in force and significantly restricts travel from multiple countries.
For Citizens of Countries with Full Travel Bans
Nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are prohibited from entering the United States under any visa category. This applies only to individuals who were outside the US on June 9, 2025 and did not hold a valid visa on that date.
For Citizens of Countries with Partial Restrictions
Citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face restrictions on specific visa categories, including F (student) and J (exchange visitor) visas. Other visa types may still be available depending on individual circumstances and waiver eligibility.
For Current Visa Holders
If you held a valid US visa as of June 9, 2025, you are not subject to the travel ban and may continue to use your visa for entry. Furthermore, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements before applying for any visa renewal to avoid processing delays.
How to Navigate the New EU Biometric System - Step by Step
First-time travelers to the EU Schengen zone should follow this process:
- Check Your Passport Validity: Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity and meets biometric passport photo requirements before travel
- Arrive Early at Border Control: Allow extra 10-15 minutes during the transition period as systems are still being rolled out
- Provide Biometric Data: At the border, you'll scan your fingerprints (four fingers from each hand) and have a facial photograph taken
- Submit Passport Information: Border officers will scan your passport and verify your travel documents electronically
- Save Your Registration: Your biometric data is stored for three years and applies to all subsequent Schengen zone entries
- Use Fast-Track Lanes: On future visits, biometric passport holders can use automated self-service kiosks where available
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with new travel requirements:
- June 9, 2025: US travel ban on 19 countries took effect at 12:01 AM EDT
- September 21, 2025: $100,000 H-1B visa fee requirement began (currently facing legal challenge)
- October 1, 2025: Expanded interview waiver policy for certain US visa renewals became effective
- October 12, 2025: EU Entry/Exit System (EES) officially launched with gradual rollout
- November 2025: US Visa Bulletin shows F-2A category retrogression to October 2025, F-2B advances to March 2017
- April 10, 2026: Full EES implementation deadline - all Schengen border crossings must use biometric system exclusively
- September 20, 2026: Current $100,000 H-1B visa fee provision set to expire (if not extended)
H-1B Visa Fee Controversy and Legal Challenges This Week
The week of October 17, 2025 brought significant developments in US immigration policy that affect skilled workers and employers.
The US Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging the new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa petitions where workers are outside the United States. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., claims the rule exceeds presidential authority and disrupts the Congressional visa system.
Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court refused to hear a case seeking to overturn work authorization for H-4 visa holders (spouses of H-1B workers), allowing them to continue working legally. However, employment-based visa approval rates have declined, with EB-1A extraordinary ability approvals dropping to 67% (the lowest in three years) and EB-2 National Interest Waiver approvals falling sharply to 54%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Register for EES Every Time I Visit Europe?
No, your biometric registration is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. After your initial registration, you can use automated self-service kiosks at many border crossings for faster entry. You will only need to re-register if your passport changes or after three years.
Can I Still Travel to the US if I'm from a Banned Country But Have a Valid Visa?
Yes, if you held a valid US visa as of June 9, 2025, the travel ban does not apply to you. However, if you were outside the US on that date and did not hold a valid visa, you are subject to the restrictions. Certain waivers may be available on a case-by-case basis for compelling circumstances.
Will the $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Actually Be Enforced?
The fee is currently being challenged in federal court by the US Chamber of Commerce, which claims it exceeds presidential authority. While the fee technically took effect on September 21, 2025, the ongoing lawsuit may result in suspension or elimination of this requirement. Check with an immigration attorney for the latest developments before paying.
How Long Does Biometric Registration Take at EU Borders?
During the initial rollout phase, expect the biometric registration process to take an additional 10-15 minutes at border control. Once fully implemented by April 2026, the process should take only 5-7 minutes for most travelers, and even less time when using self-service kiosks with biometric passports.
What You Need to Know About Current Travel Restrictions
October 2025 represents a major shift in international travel policy, with the EU's biometric Entry/Exit System fundamentally changing how non-EU travelers are processed at borders. Combined with ongoing US travel restrictions affecting 19 countries and controversial H-1B visa fee requirements under legal challenge, travelers must stay informed about rapidly evolving requirements.
Before planning any international trip or visa application, verify that your passport photo meets current requirements for your destination country. VisaPics helps ensure your passport and visa photos comply with the latest biometric specifications for over 172 countries, reducing the risk of application delays or rejections. Check our comprehensive visa photo specifications and process your compliant photos online in minutes to avoid costly travel disruptions.