Major US Travel Disruptions Hit 40 Airports in November 2025
Breaking news for November 2025: The United States is experiencing significant travel restrictions and disruptions affecting both domestic and international travelers. Over 10,000 flights have been delayed or canceled since November 7, 2025, while new visa screening requirements impact travelers from more than 40 countries worldwide.
These travel restrictions come at a critical time as the holiday season approaches, with millions of travelers facing uncertainty about their plans. The dual impact of flight cancellations and stricter visa requirements marks one of the most significant travel disruption periods in recent years.
Key Travel Restrictions and Changes in November 2025
Here are the four major travel restrictions affecting international and domestic travelers right now:
- Flight Cancellations: Over 5,000 flight delays and 1,100 cancellations at 40 high-traffic US airports starting November 7-8, 2025
- FAA Emergency Order: Airlines required to reduce operations by 6% by November 11 and 10% by November 14 at major airports
- New Visa Health Screening: Mandatory financial self-sufficiency requirements for healthcare needs affecting visa applicants from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Caribbean nations, and 40+ other countries
- Existing Travel Ban: Full travel ban remains in effect for 12 countries and partial restrictions for 7 countries since June 9, 2025
- Additional Countries Under Review: 36 more countries may be added to travel restrictions unless security benchmarks are met within 60-day window
Major airlines including American Airlines (220 daily cancellations), United Airlines (under 200 cancellations), and Delta Airlines (170 daily cancellations) have announced significant service reductions. Additionally, air traffic controllers have been working without pay for nearly a month due to the government shutdown, leading to increased sick calls and operational challenges.
Who Is Affected by November 2025 Travel Restrictions
The current travel restrictions impact three distinct groups of travelers with varying degrees of severity. Understanding which category you fall into is essential for planning your next trip.
For US Domestic Travelers
If you're flying within the United States, expect significant delays and cancellations at 40 high-impact airports through mid-November 2025. Airlines are operating with reduced schedules, so allow extra travel time and consider booking earlier flights with backup options. The FAA emergency order affects all domestic carriers equally.
For International Visa Applicants
Travelers from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Barbados, and other high-demand countries now face additional health-based screening requirements. You must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for healthcare needs during your US stay, which adds complexity to both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications including tourist, student, and work visas.
For Travelers from Banned Countries
Citizens of 19 countries face full or partial travel bans effective since June 9, 2025. Full bans apply to Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Partial restrictions affect Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, limiting specific visa categories including student and cultural exchange visas.
How to Navigate Current Travel Restrictions - Step by Step
Follow these five essential steps to minimize disruption during this period of travel restrictions:
- Check Your Flight Status Daily: Contact your airline directly for real-time updates on cancellations and delays, as schedules change frequently during the FAA emergency order period
- Verify Visa Requirements Early: If applying for a US visa, prepare financial documentation proving healthcare self-sufficiency at least 90 days before intended travel to account for processing delays
- Book Flexible Tickets: Choose refundable or changeable tickets when possible, and consider travel insurance that covers government-mandated cancellations and policy changes
- Ensure Passport Photo Compliance: Before applying for any visa, verify your passport photo meets all official requirements to avoid delays or rejections in the application process
- Monitor Travel Advisories: Check the US Department of State website weekly for updates, as 36 additional countries may be added to travel restrictions in coming weeks
Important Dates and Timeline for Travel Restrictions
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay ahead of travel restriction changes:
- November 11, 2025: Airlines must reduce operations by 6% at 40 high-impact airports under FAA emergency order
- November 14, 2025: Airlines must further reduce operations by 10% at major US airports, increasing cancellations
- Mid-November 2025: Potential resolution of government shutdown affecting flight operations (timeline uncertain)
- 60-Day Review Window: 36 countries currently under evaluation for potential addition to travel ban list based on security benchmarks
- May 7, 2026: REAL ID enforcement deadline for domestic air travel at US airports and federal facilities
- Ongoing Through 2025: Health-based visa screening requirements remain in effect for all applicants from affected countries
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Restrictions
Will the Flight Cancellations Continue After November 14?
Flight cancellations and delays will likely continue until the government shutdown ends and air traffic controllers receive back pay. Airlines are required to maintain 10% reduced operations after November 14, 2025, affecting thousands of daily flights. However, the situation could improve quickly once funding resumes.
Do I Need New Passport Photos for the Health Screening Visa Requirements?
While the health-based screening focuses on financial documentation, all visa applications require compliant passport photos that meet current US specifications. If your existing passport photo is more than six months old or doesn't meet biometric standards, you'll need new photos for your application to avoid processing delays.
Can I Still Travel to the US If I'm from a Country Under Partial Restrictions?
Yes, partial restrictions only affect specific visa categories like tourist, student, and cultural exchange visas. Business visas, diplomatic visas, and certain other categories may still be available. However, you should expect enhanced screening, longer processing times, and possible denials depending on your specific circumstances and visa type.
What Happens If My Flight Gets Canceled During the FAA Emergency Order?
Airlines are required to rebook you on the next available flight or provide a full refund. During the current restrictions, rebooking may take several days due to reduced schedules. Contact your airline immediately, document all communications, and consider filing a claim with your travel insurance if you have coverage for government-mandated disruptions.
What You Need to Know About Travel Restrictions Moving Forward
The November 2025 travel restrictions represent a significant shift in both domestic flight operations and international visa policies. With over 10,000 flights affected and new health-based screening requirements impacting dozens of countries, travelers must plan ahead and stay informed about rapidly changing regulations.
If you're planning international travel, start your visa application process early and ensure your passport photo meets all requirements before submission. For domestic travelers, book flexible tickets and monitor your flight status daily through mid-November as the FAA emergency order remains in effect. Additionally, stay updated on the 36 countries under review for potential travel ban inclusion, as these restrictions could expand with minimal notice.