Major US Travel Restrictions Take Effect January 2026
Travel restrictions updates for December 2025 reveal the most significant expansion of US visa bans in recent history. Presidential Proclamation 10998, signed on December 16, 2025, extends full or partial travel restrictions to nationals of 39 countries, effective January 1, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. EST.
The expansion follows the June 2025 proclamation and represents a dramatic increase in affected nations. According to the American Immigration Council, roughly 1 in 5 people seeking legal immigration to the United States are now barred from doing so.
Countries Under Full Travel Ban and Visa Suspension
The Department of State is fully suspending visa issuance to nationals of 19 countries:
- Middle East & Central Asia: Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Yemen
- Africa (Sub-Saharan): Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Mali, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan
- Southeast Asia: Myanmar (Burma), Laos
- Caribbean: Haiti
- West Africa: Libya, Sierra Leone
- Special Category: Palestinian Authority passport holders
Seven new countries were added to the full ban list: Laos, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. Laos and Sierra Leone had previously been subject only to partial restrictions.
Countries Under Partial Travel Restrictions
Twenty additional countries now face partial restrictions on visa issuance:
- Africa: Angola, Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Cuba, Dominica
- Central Asia: Turkmenistan
- South America: Venezuela
- Pacific: Tonga
Nigeria faces the heaviest impact among partially restricted nations. Over the last decade, Nigerians received an average of 128,000 immigrant and nonimmigrant visas annually. Additionally, Turkmenistan saw its previous partial ban lifted due to demonstrated progress since June 2025.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions Updates
The proclamation affects millions of potential travelers and immigrants worldwide. Understanding who falls under these restrictions is crucial for planning any US travel.
For Visa Applicants Abroad
Foreign nationals outside the United States without a valid visa as of January 1, 2026 are directly affected. No new visas will be issued to nationals of fully banned countries, while partial restrictions limit specific visa categories for others.
For Current Visa Holders
If you hold a valid US visa as of the effective date, you are exempt from the proclamation. No visas will be revoked as a result of this new ban. However, travel plans should be reviewed carefully before departing the country.
For Lawful Permanent Residents
Green card holders are generally exempt from these travel restrictions. However, starting December 26, 2025, lawful permanent residents must submit to facial recognition photography when entering or departing the United States.
For Immigrants Currently in the US
Individuals already in the United States are not required to take immediate action solely because of this proclamation. However, USCIS has expanded a sweeping pause on immigration applications for people from the newly added 20 countries.
How to Prepare for the New Travel Restrictions
Take these steps to protect your travel plans and immigration status:
- Verify your visa status: Confirm your current visa is valid through the Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC)
- Check your country's status: Review the official list to determine if you face full or partial restrictions
- Gather required documents: Ensure your passport photo meets current specifications and all documentation is current
- Consult immigration counsel: Speak with a qualified immigration attorney if you have pending applications or travel planned
- Avoid unnecessary travel: If you're currently in the US with valid status, carefully weigh any international travel before January 1, 2026
- Monitor exemption categories: Certain diplomatic, official, and special interest categories may qualify for waivers
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates affecting travel restrictions and visa processing:
- December 15, 2025: Expanded social media screening begins for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants
- December 16, 2025: Presidential Proclamation 10998 signed, announcing new restrictions
- December 26, 2025: Biometric facial recognition required for all green card holders at US borders
- January 1, 2026 (12:01 a.m. EST): All new travel restrictions take full effect
- Ongoing: USCIS continues freeze on immigration petitions from affected countries
European Travel Changes Also Underway
While US restrictions dominate headlines, Europe is implementing its own border changes:
- Entry/Exit System (EES): Launched October 12, 2025, collecting fingerprints and facial images at Schengen borders
- Full EES implementation: Expected by April 10, 2026 at all border points
- ETIAS authorization: Delayed until late 2026, requiring pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers
- Bulgaria and Romania: Became full Schengen members on January 1, 2025
Travelers to Europe should expect potential delays as biometric systems continue their phased rollout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the travel ban apply if I already have a valid US visa?
No. Foreign nationals who hold valid visas as of January 1, 2026 are exempt from the proclamation. Your visa will not be revoked. However, you should still consult with an immigration attorney before traveling, as re-entry may be subject to additional scrutiny.
Can green card holders still travel to the US from banned countries?
Yes, lawful permanent residents are generally exempt from these travel restrictions. However, starting December 26, 2025, you'll need to submit to facial recognition photography upon entry and departure. Carrying documentation proving your LPR status is strongly recommended.
What's the difference between full and partial travel restrictions?
Full restrictions suspend all visa issuance to nationals of those countries. Partial restrictions limit specific visa categories while allowing others. For example, Nigeria faces partial restrictions affecting most visas while certain diplomatic categories may remain available.
How do I ensure my passport photo meets requirements for visa applications?
US visa photos must meet strict specifications including proper dimensions, neutral expression, and compliant background. Using a professional service like VisaPics ensures your photo meets all official requirements for your specific visa application.
What You Need to Know Going Forward
The December 2025 travel restrictions updates represent a fundamental shift in US immigration policy. With 39 countries now affected and approximately 20% of global nations facing some form of restriction, careful planning has never been more critical for international travelers and immigrants.
Stay informed by monitoring official State Department announcements and consulting qualified legal counsel for your specific situation. If you're preparing a visa application, ensure your passport photo meets all current requirements to avoid delays. VisaPics provides compliant photos for over 950 document types across 170+ countries, helping ensure your application documents are properly prepared.