Major US Travel Restrictions Update for 2025
Travel restrictions have dramatically expanded as the Trump administration announced significant changes affecting millions of travelers worldwide. On December 16, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation doubling the number of countries subject to entry restrictions from 19 to 39, with new rules taking effect January 1, 2026.
Additionally, new biometric entry-exit requirements for all non-US citizens, including green card holders, became effective on December 26, 2025. These sweeping changes represent the most significant travel restrictions update since the original ban in June 2025.
Key Travel Restrictions Changes in December 2025
The expanded travel ban introduces several critical changes that travelers must understand:
- 39 countries now affected: Up from 19 countries in the June 2025 ban, nearly doubling the scope of restrictions
- Palestinian Authority documents: Individuals traveling on PA-issued travel documents are now subject to full entry restrictions
- Biometric collection mandatory: All non-US citizens must provide photographs at every border crossing starting December 26, 2025
- Green card scrutiny increased: Citizens from 19 flagged countries face intensive reviews of their permanent residency status
- Visa category limitations: Partial ban countries can no longer obtain B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas
- Removed exemptions: Categorical exceptions for immediate relatives of US citizens, adoptions, and Afghan SIVs have been eliminated
The administration cited visa overstay rates, deportation cooperation issues, and government instability as primary factors for targeting specific nations. However, countries demonstrating "material improvements" may be removed from the list.
Who Is Affected by the Travel Restrictions
These travel restrictions impact several distinct groups of travelers differently based on their nationality and current immigration status.
For Nationals of Full-Ban Countries
Citizens from 19 countries face complete entry restrictions: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. These individuals cannot obtain any type of visa for US travel.
For Nationals of Partial-Ban Countries
Twenty countries face partial restrictions affecting tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Work visas and certain other categories may still be available.
For Green Card Holders
Lawful permanent residents remain exempt from the travel ban but must comply with new biometric requirements. Those from the 19 flagged countries face enhanced questioning at borders and potential processing delays. Ensuring your passport photo meets current requirements is essential for smooth border crossings.
For Current Visa Holders
Individuals already holding valid US visas may continue traveling until their visa expires. No existing visas will be revoked due to this proclamation. However, visa renewals for affected nationals will face the new restrictions.
How to Prepare for the New Travel Restrictions
If you're affected by these travel restrictions, take these steps immediately:
- Determine your status: Check whether your country of nationality (not just birth country) appears on the affected list and which restrictions apply
- Return to the US before January 1, 2026: If you're currently abroad and subject to new restrictions, prioritize returning before the proclamation takes effect
- Verify your visa validity: Confirm your current visa remains valid and note its expiration date, as you can continue traveling until it expires
- Update your travel documents: Ensure your passport and any required visa photos meet specifications, as biometric verification will be conducted at all entry points
- Consult immigration counsel: Seek legal advice before any international travel, especially if you have pending immigration applications
- Check for USCIS holds: Be aware that immigration benefit applications from affected nationals may be paused pending review
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates related to the travel restrictions:
- December 16, 2025: President Trump signed the expanded travel ban proclamation
- December 26, 2025: New biometric entry-exit requirements took effect for all non-US citizens
- January 1, 2026 (12:01 AM EST): Expanded travel ban officially takes effect, restricting entry from 39 countries
- 2026-2030: Biometric system rollout continues, expanding from major airports to land and sea ports
- June-July 2026: World Cup exemptions apply for athletes, coaches, and support staff from affected countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Do travel restrictions affect green card holders?
Green card holders are exempt from the travel ban itself but must comply with new biometric requirements. Starting December 26, 2025, all lawful permanent residents must provide photographs at every border crossing. Those from 19 flagged countries may face enhanced scrutiny and longer processing times.
Can I still travel if I have a valid visa from an affected country?
Yes. The proclamation explicitly states that existing valid visas will not be revoked. You may continue using your current visa until it expires. However, renewing your visa after expiration will be subject to the new restrictions, and you may face heightened screening at ports of entry.
Are there any exemptions to the travel restrictions?
Several categories remain exempt: lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on non-affected country passports, World Cup and Olympics participants, certain diplomats, and ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution in Iran. Case-by-case waivers may be available at the Secretary of State's discretion.
What documents do I need for US travel in 2026?
You'll need a valid passport, appropriate visa (if required), and compliance with biometric verification at all entry points. Ensuring your passport photo requirements are met is crucial, as border officials will verify your identity against biometric records at every crossing.
What You Need to Know
The expanded travel restrictions represent a significant shift in US immigration policy, affecting nationals from 39 countries and introducing mandatory biometric tracking for all non-citizens. If you're from an affected country, the most critical deadline is January 1, 2026—after this date, new visa applications will face restrictions.
Travelers should verify their visa application status, ensure all passport photo specifications are current, and seek legal guidance before international travel. With enhanced biometric requirements at all US entry points, having properly formatted travel documents is more important than ever. Stay informed about changes that may affect your travel plans and immigration status throughout 2026.