Major US Travel Restrictions Take Effect: What You Need to Know
Travel restrictions updates are reshaping international travel to the United States as we head into 2026. On December 16, 2025, Presidential Proclamation 10998 was signed, expanding visa suspensions to 39 countries—more than doubling the previous 19-country ban from June 2025.
These sweeping changes affect millions of travelers, students, and immigrants worldwide. Additionally, new biometric requirements that took effect on December 26, 2025, now require all non-US citizens, including green card holders, to be photographed at every US entry and exit point.
Travel Restrictions Updates: Complete List of Affected Countries
The expanded travel ban creates two distinct categories of restrictions, with varying levels of visa suspension depending on the country.
- Full Visa Suspension (19 countries): Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen
- Partial Visa Suspension (20 countries): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Palestinian Authority: Individuals traveling on PA-issued travel documents face full entry restrictions
- Turkmenistan: Restrictions partially lifted—nonimmigrant visas now available, but immigrant visas remain suspended
For countries under partial suspension, the ban specifically targets B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F and M student visas, J exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas. However, certain work and specialty visas may still be available.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions
The January 2026 travel ban affects different groups in distinct ways. Understanding your specific situation is crucial for proper planning.
For Current US Residents
If you are physically present in the United States on January 1, 2026, or hold a valid US visa as of 12:01 a.m. EST on that date, the proclamation does not apply to you. No existing visas will be revoked under this new ban. Green card holders and lawful permanent residents retain their status but face new biometric requirements.
For International Students
Students from the 39 affected countries face significant challenges. Nigeria, one of the largest sources of international students to the US, is now subject to partial restrictions that suspend F and J student visas. Foreign national students should ensure they remain in active SEVIS status and carry all required documentation when traveling. Consider having your passport photo requirements verified before any visa application to avoid processing delays.
For Green Card Holders
While permanent residents are exempt from visa suspensions, they now face mandatory biometric collection at every entry and exit point. Refusing to provide biometrics may result in denied entry. Those from the 19 flagged countries face heightened scrutiny during travel.
How to Navigate the New Biometric Requirements
Starting December 26, 2025, all non-US citizens must comply with expanded biometric collection procedures.
- Prepare proper documentation: Carry your valid passport, visa (if applicable), and green card for permanent residents. Ensure all documents are current and undamaged.
- Allow extra time: Facial recognition verification and biometric collection add processing time at entry and exit points. Arrive at airports at least 3 hours before international departures.
- Understand the requirements: Photography is now mandatory at both entry and exit. Refusal may result in denied boarding, denied entry, or departure verification issues.
- Check your visa status: Before traveling, verify your visa validity through the USCIS website. Ensure your visa application photo meets current specifications if applying for renewal.
- Carry reentry permits: Permanent residents traveling abroad for more than one year should obtain a reentry permit before departure and expect biometric verification upon return.
Important Dates and Timeline
These key dates determine when various travel restrictions take effect and who is affected.
- December 16, 2025: Presidential Proclamation 10998 signed, announcing expanded travel ban
- December 26, 2025: Mandatory biometric collection begins for all non-US citizens at entry and exit points
- January 1, 2026 (12:01 a.m. EST): Visa suspensions for 39 countries take effect
- February 27, 2026: New H-1B visa selection process takes effect, prioritizing higher-skilled and higher-paid workers
- 2026-2030: Full biometric entry-exit system implementation planned over 3-5 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still travel if I already have a valid US visa?
Yes. The proclamation specifically states it does not apply to those who hold a valid US visa as of January 1, 2026. No visas will be revoked under this new ban. However, all non-citizens must comply with new biometric requirements when entering or exiting the country.
What happens if I refuse biometric collection?
CBP officers may deny entry, boarding, or verification of departure if a non-citizen refuses to be photographed. US citizens can opt out and undergo manual passport inspection, but this option is not available to non-citizens including green card holders.
Are there any exceptions to the travel ban?
Yes. Exceptions include US lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on a non-designated passport, certain diplomats, and athletes traveling for major events. However, the December proclamation removed exceptions for immediate relatives of US citizens, adoptions, and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders that existed under the June ban.
What You Need to Know: Bottom Line
The 2025 travel restrictions represent the most significant changes to US immigration policy in years. 39 countries now face full or partial visa suspensions starting January 1, 2026, while new biometric requirements affect all non-citizens immediately. These changes particularly impact students, temporary workers, and immigrants from affected nations.
If you're planning international travel to the United States, verify your visa status immediately and ensure all your documentation is in order. For those applying for new visas, having a compliant passport photo that meets official requirements is essential to avoid application delays. VisaPics can help ensure your visa photo meets exact specifications for your destination country, giving you one less thing to worry about during these uncertain times.