Major US Travel Restrictions Expand in November 2025
The United States has implemented sweeping new travel restrictions in November 2025 that fundamentally change who can enter the country. The State Department issued guidance expanding health-based visa denials to include chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health conditions. This policy affects all visa categories worldwide, from tourists to students to permanent residents.
These changes come five months after the June 9, 2025 travel ban affecting 19 countries, creating a dual-layer restriction system. Immigration experts warn these are the most significant visa policy changes in decades, potentially affecting millions of international travelers and prospective immigrants.
New Health Screening Requirements for All Visa Applicants
Starting November 2025, visa officers must evaluate applicants based on chronic medical conditions and their ability to pay for treatment without government assistance. This marks a dramatic expansion from previous policies that only screened for communicable diseases.
- Chronic Conditions Under Review: Diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, cancers, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, and mental health conditions
- Financial Self-Sufficiency Test: Applicants must prove they can pay for medical care throughout their entire expected lifespan without public assistance
- Family Member Screening: Visa officers now evaluate the health of dependents, including children and elderly parents, to determine if caregiving would prevent employment
- Global Application: Policy affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visas including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F/M), exchange (J), and work visas
- Visa Officer Discretion: Consular officers have expanded authority to deny visas based on health assessments and financial capability determinations
The directive asks visa officers to determine "Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance?" This question now applies to routine visa interviews at US embassies and consulates worldwide.
Who Is Affected by the Health Screening Rules
The new health-based restrictions impact travelers from all countries applying for US visas. Unlike the country-specific travel ban, these medical screening requirements apply universally, creating additional hurdles for international travel regardless of nationality.
For Tourist and Business Travelers
Anyone applying for B-1/B-2 visitor visas must now disclose chronic health conditions during interviews. Travelers with diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or other conditions face potential denials if they cannot prove financial ability to cover medical emergencies during their stay. Travel insurance may not be sufficient proof under the new standards.
For International Students
F and M visa applicants face heightened scrutiny regarding chronic conditions. Students must demonstrate they can afford healthcare for the duration of their studies without accessing public resources. Universities report concerns that this could significantly reduce international enrollment, particularly from countries without comprehensive private health insurance systems.
For Employment-Based Immigrants
Workers seeking H-1B, L-1, and other work visas must prove their health conditions won't prevent employment or require government assistance. Family members' health is also evaluated, with questions about whether caring for dependents with disabilities or chronic conditions would impact the primary applicant's ability to work.
How to Prepare for Visa Application Under New Rules
Applicants must take additional steps to strengthen their visa applications under the expanded health screening requirements.
- Gather Comprehensive Medical Documentation: Obtain detailed letters from physicians explaining any chronic conditions, current treatment plans, and prognosis to demonstrate conditions are managed and controlled
- Prove Financial Capability: Compile bank statements, insurance policies, employment letters, and sponsor affidavits showing ability to pay for healthcare without government assistance throughout your stay or expected lifespan
- Secure Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Purchase international health insurance with high coverage limits that explicitly covers pre-existing conditions, though note this may not be sufficient on its own
- Prepare Family Health Disclosures: Document the health status of all accompanying family members and demonstrate care arrangements that won't prevent the primary applicant from maintaining employment
- Consult Immigration Attorneys: Seek legal advice before applying if you have chronic conditions, as proper documentation and presentation can make the difference between approval and denial
- Update Passport Photos to Current Requirements: Ensure your passport photo meets all specifications before applying, as visa applications with non-compliant photos face immediate rejection
Countries Under Travel Ban and Partial Restrictions
In addition to the health screening rules, the June 9, 2025 travel ban remains in effect for 19 countries, with 36 additional countries under review for potential inclusion.
- Complete Travel Ban (12 Countries): Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen - all immigrant and non-immigrant visas suspended
- Partial Restrictions (7 Countries): Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela - immigrant visas plus B-1/B-2 (tourist/business), F (student), M (vocational), and J (exchange) visas suspended
- Exemptions Apply: Lawful permanent residents (green card holders), dual nationals traveling on non-banned passports, immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, minor children, parents), refugees, asylees, and athletes for 2026 FIFA World Cup/2028 Olympics
- Pending Expansion: 36 additional countries received notification in June 2025 to meet security and data-sharing benchmarks within 60 days or face addition to the ban list
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Understanding key effective dates helps travelers plan applications and trips around the new restrictions.
- June 9, 2025, 12:01 AM EDT: Travel ban for 19 countries took effect - visas issued before this date remain valid
- Early November 2025: State Department issued expanded health screening directive - applies to all pending and new applications
- November 4, 2025: Canada introduced new visitor rules allowing revocation of temporary resident documents for eligibility failures
- Ongoing: 36 countries have 60-day windows to meet benchmarks or face travel ban addition (timelines vary by country notification date)
- No Sunset Clause: Both the travel ban and health screening policies remain in effect indefinitely until rescinded by future administrations or blocked by courts
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Restrictions
Will My Existing Visa Be Canceled Due to Health Conditions?
No, valid visas issued before the November 2025 health screening directive remain active through their expiration dates. However, visa renewals and new applications will be subject to the expanded health reviews. Additionally, Canadian visitor visa holders should note that Canada's November 4, 2025 rule allows revocation of existing visas if holders fail ongoing eligibility requirements.
Can I Still Travel to the US If I Have Diabetes or Obesity?
Yes, but you must prove financial capability to cover medical care without government assistance. Gather documentation from physicians, secure comprehensive health insurance, and demonstrate sufficient financial resources through bank statements and sponsor affidavits. Consult an immigration attorney to strengthen your application if you have chronic conditions.
Are Dual Citizens Exempt From the Travel Ban?
Yes, dual nationals can enter the US using a passport from a country not subject to the travel ban. For example, someone with both Iranian and Canadian citizenship can travel on their Canadian passport. However, they must still pass the new health screening requirements applicable to all visa applicants regardless of nationality.
What You Need to Know About 2025 Travel Restrictions
The November 2025 expansion of US travel restrictions creates unprecedented barriers for international travelers and prospective immigrants. The health-based visa denials policy affects all countries and visa categories, requiring comprehensive medical and financial documentation previously unnecessary for tourist and student visas.
Travelers should prepare applications carefully, gathering extensive documentation of health status and financial capability months before intended travel dates. Before applying for any US visa, ensure your passport photo meets requirements by using professional services that guarantee compliance with current visa photo specifications. Immigration experts recommend consulting attorneys for applications involving chronic health conditions, as proper presentation can determine approval outcomes under these expanded restrictions.