Major Visa Policy Changes Take Effect January 2026
Visa policy changes affecting millions of travelers worldwide are set to take effect in January 2026. The United States has expanded its travel ban to 39 countries, the UK will enforce mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements, and the EU continues rolling out its new biometric Entry/Exit System.
These immigration policy updates represent the most significant overhaul of global travel requirements in years. Whether you're a tourist, business traveler, green card holder, or visa applicant, understanding these changes is essential for your travel plans.
US Travel Ban Expansion: Key Visa Policy Changes
On December 16, 2025, the White House issued Presidential Proclamation 10998, more than doubling the countries affected by visa restrictions from 19 to 39.
- Full Visa 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 Documents: Individuals traveling on any documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are now subject to full visa suspension
- Partial Suspension (20 countries): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
- Effective Date: January 1, 2026, for all new visa applications and travel
The partial suspension blocks immigrant visas and nonimmigrant B visas (visitors), F visas (students), M visas (vocational students), and J visas (exchange visitors). However, existing valid visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain valid and will not be revoked.
New Biometric Requirements for Green Card Holders
Starting December 26, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security implemented new biometric collection requirements affecting all noncitizens entering and departing the United States.
For Green Card Holders
Customs and Border Protection now collects facial biometrics from all lawful permanent residents upon entry and exit. Previous age exemptions for children under 14 and adults over 79 have been removed.
For Visa Holders and Visitors
All visa categories are subject to enhanced biometric screening. Social media vetting is now mandatory for H-1B, H-4, and student visa applicants, requiring public social media profiles during the application process.
For Employers and HR Professionals
The 540-day automatic extension for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals has been eliminated for most categories. Employees risk losing work authorization immediately after their EAD expires if new documentation hasn't been received.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: February 2026 Enforcement
The United Kingdom will fully enforce its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme beginning February 25, 2026, affecting travelers from 85 nationalities including the United States, Canada, and most European countries.
- Cost: £16 (approximately $21 USD) per application
- Validity: Two years with multiple short stays allowed (up to six months each visit)
- Processing Time: Most applications approved within minutes; allow three working days for complex cases
- Carrier Responsibility: Airlines must verify ETA approval before boarding—no ETA means no travel
- Exemptions: British and Irish citizens, those transiting without passport control
Additionally, from January 8, 2026, new Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual visa applicants must demonstrate B2 English proficiency (higher than the current B1 standard). Ensure your passport photo meets all requirements before applying.
EU Entry/Exit System and Schengen Updates
The European Union launched its Entry/Exit System (EES) on October 12, 2025, with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026.
For Non-EU Travelers
Manual passport stamping is being replaced by electronic biometric registration. Travelers must provide fingerprints and facial images at Schengen borders. The system aims to identify visa overstayers and strengthen security checks.
For Business and Tourism Visitors
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) has been delayed until late 2026. When implemented, visa-exempt travelers will need online authorization costing €20, valid for three years and allowing 90-day stays within 180-day periods.
For Russian Nationals
The European Commission announced stricter rules in November 2025. Russian nationals will typically receive only single-entry Schengen visas and must apply anew for each trip.
How to Prepare for These Visa Policy Changes
Follow these steps to ensure your travel plans aren't disrupted by the new requirements:
- Check Your Nationality Status: Verify whether your country falls under full suspension, partial suspension, or enhanced screening requirements
- Validate Existing Visas: If you hold a valid US visa issued before January 1, 2026, it remains valid—do not panic or cancel travel unnecessarily
- Apply for UK ETA Early: Submit your UK ETA application at least one week before travel to allow for potential processing delays
- Prepare Compliant Photos: Ensure your passport and visa photos meet official specifications—VisaPics can help you create compliant photos for any country
- Review Employment Documents: If you're on a work visa, ensure EAD renewals are filed well in advance and monitor processing times
- Update Social Media Settings: H-1B and student visa applicants must set social media profiles to public for mandatory vetting
Important Dates and Immigration Timeline
Mark these critical dates affecting visa policy changes in early 2026:
- January 1, 2026: US travel ban expansion takes effect for 39 countries; new immigration fees begin
- January 8, 2026: UK requires B2 English proficiency for work visa applicants
- January 30, 2026: Deadline for SR (Religious Workers) visa processing
- February 25, 2026: UK fully enforces ETA—no authorization means no boarding
- April 10, 2026: EU Entry/Exit System expected to be fully operational
- Late 2026: EU ETIAS requirement expected to launch
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Current US Visa Be Revoked Under the New Travel Ban?
No. Visas issued before January 1, 2026, remain valid and will not be revoked. The restrictions apply only to foreign nationals outside the US on the effective date who do not hold valid visas. However, departing the US after January 1 may affect your ability to return if you're from an affected country.
Do Green Card Holders Need to Worry About These Changes?
Green card holders are exempt from the travel ban but are subject to new biometric requirements. Starting December 26, 2025, CBP collects facial biometrics from all lawful permanent residents upon entry and exit, regardless of age.
How Do I Apply for the UK ETA?
Apply online through the official UK government website or the UK ETA app. You'll need a valid passport, a digital photo meeting UK passport photo requirements, and £16 for the fee. Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow three working days for complex cases.
What Happens If I Don't Have an ETA for UK Travel After February 2026?
Airlines are required to verify ETA approval before allowing passengers to board. Without a valid ETA, you will be denied boarding at your departure airport—there are no exceptions or airport waivers available.
What These Visa Policy Changes Mean for You
The January 2026 visa policy changes represent a significant tightening of immigration controls across the US, UK, and EU. Travelers from affected countries should consult immigration attorneys before making travel plans. Those with pending visa applications should monitor processing times closely.
Regardless of your destination, ensuring your travel documents meet all official requirements is critical. Your passport photo must comply with strict specifications for biometric systems—check VisaPics' comprehensive passport photo requirements to ensure your application isn't delayed or rejected.