Major US Travel Restrictions Updates Take Effect January 2026
Significant travel restrictions updates went into effect on January 1, 2026, dramatically reshaping visa policies for travelers from 39 countries plus Palestinian Authority document holders. Presidential Proclamation 10998, issued December 16, 2025, more than doubles the number of countries affected by previous travel bans.
These sweeping changes impact millions of potential travelers worldwide. Additionally, new biometric requirements now apply to all non-US citizens, including lawful permanent residents, at every US entry and exit point.
Countries Affected by 2026 Visa Travel Restrictions
The expanded travel ban creates two distinct categories: full visa suspension and partial restrictions.
- Full Suspension (19 countries): Afghanistan, Burma, Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen
- Palestinian Authority: All travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority are subject to full suspension
- Partial Restrictions (19 countries): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote D'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Special Category: Turkmenistan faces immigrant visa restrictions only; nonimmigrant visas are now permitted
Countries with partial restrictions cannot obtain B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F/M/J student and exchange visitor visas, or any immigrant visas. However, other nonimmigrant categories such as work visas may still be available.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Restrictions Updates
The new restrictions apply specifically to foreign nationals who meet certain criteria as of the effective date.
For Nationals of Affected Countries
You are subject to restrictions if you are outside the United States on January 1, 2026, AND do not hold a valid US visa on that date. Existing valid visas will not be revoked and remain usable until expiration.
For Green Card Holders
Lawful permanent residents are exempt from the visa ban. However, new biometric requirements now mandate photographs at every entry and exit point. Enhanced scrutiny applies to green card holders from the 19 fully restricted countries.
For Dual Nationals
If you hold citizenship in both a restricted and non-restricted country, you may travel using your passport from the non-restricted nation. This provides an important pathway for affected individuals with dual citizenship.
How to Prepare for US Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these steps to determine your eligibility and prepare required documentation:
- Verify Your Status: Check if your nationality appears on the restricted countries list and confirm which category applies
- Check Visa Validity: If you held a valid US visa before January 1, 2026, you can still travel—gather proof of visa issuance date
- Consider Dual Nationality: If you have citizenship in a non-restricted country, obtain and travel with that passport
- Ensure Photo Compliance: Update your passport photo to meet current biometric standards—VisaPics can help ensure your photo meets official requirements
- Document Everything: Carry proof of any exemption categories, such as employment verification for diplomats or event credentials for World Cup athletes
- Monitor Updates: The Secretary of State will reassess restrictions every 180 days, so stay informed about potential changes
Important Dates and Timeline for 2026 Travel Restrictions
Key dates travelers must know:
- December 16, 2025: Presidential Proclamation 10998 issued, announcing expanded restrictions
- December 26, 2025: New biometric requirements for all non-US citizens take effect at all entry points
- January 1, 2026: Expanded visa ban officially takes effect for nationals of 39 countries
- June 2026 (approximately): First 180-day review period concludes with potential modifications
- Q4 2026: EU ETIAS system launches, adding new requirements for visa-exempt travelers to Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my existing US visa be revoked under the new travel restrictions?
No. If you held a valid visa before January 1, 2026, it remains valid until its expiration date. The proclamation explicitly states that no visas issued before the effective date will be revoked. You can continue traveling on your existing visa.
Can I apply for a waiver if I'm from a restricted country?
The proclamation provides limited exception categories. These include certain diplomats, long-term US government employees, and ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution in Iran. Standard waiver applications are extremely limited under the current framework.
What are the new biometric requirements for green card holders?
Starting December 26, 2025, all non-US citizens, including green card holders, must have photographs taken by Customs and Border Protection officials at every entry and exit point. This includes airports, land crossings, and seaports across the United States.
Are there any exemptions for the 2026 travel ban?
Yes. Exemptions include lawful permanent residents, dual nationals using non-restricted country passports, athletes and support staff for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, certain diplomats, and individuals who already held valid visas before January 1, 2026.
What You Need to Know About Travel Restrictions in 2026
The January 2026 travel restrictions represent the most significant expansion of US visa policies in recent years. 39 countries now face either full or partial visa suspensions, and new biometric tracking applies to all non-citizens. Travelers should verify their status immediately and gather all required documentation before planning any US travel.
For those preparing visa applications from non-restricted countries, ensuring your passport photo meets official requirements remains critical. VisaPics provides compliant passport photos that meet all current US specifications. Furthermore, monitoring official State Department announcements is essential, as the 180-day review periods may bring additional changes throughout 2026.