Stay informed with the latest visa, passport, and immigration updates from around the world
Major passport photo requirements changes take effect in December 2025 as the US ends its grace period for AI-edited photos on December 31, CBP begins mandatory biometric collection on December 26, and new ICAO standards become enforceable January 2026. Over 22 million annual US passport applicants are affected.
Major visa policy changes in December 2025 are reshaping immigration across the US, UK, EU, and Canada. From new biometric requirements for green card holders to H-1B social media screening and UK Immigration Skills Charge increases, these updates affect millions of travelers and immigrants globally.
Major ID card requirements changes are taking effect in December 2025 and early 2026. The TSA announced a new $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID starting February 2026, while EU citizens face a December 31, 2025 deadline for biometric ID cards to enter the UK. Digital IDs through Apple Wallet are now accepted at over 250 US airports.
Major travel restrictions updates in December 2025 include the US expanding its travel ban from 19 to potentially 32 countries, mandatory 5-year social media disclosure for visa-waiver travelers from 42 nations, and the EU's biometric Entry/Exit System now collecting fingerprints at borders. These changes affect millions of international travelers planning trips to the US and Europe.
The U.S. has enacted sweeping immigration policy changes in December 2025, including a nationwide asylum suspension, expanded travel bans affecting 19+ countries, new H-1B social media vetting requirements, and the launch of the $1 million Trump Gold Card visa program. These changes affect millions of visa holders and applicants.
The DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration has been delayed by over two months, with the State Department implementing a historic $1 entry fee for the first time in the program's 30-year history. Meanwhile, December 2025 visa bulletin cutoff numbers have been released for current DV-2026 selectees, with approximately 52,000 diversity visas available this fiscal year.
Major ID card requirements changes take effect in December 2025 and early 2026. The TSA announces a $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID starting February 1, 2026, while EU citizens face a December 31 deadline for biometric ID compliance to enter the UK. Meanwhile, 14 U.S. states now accept digital IDs in Apple Wallet.
December 2025 brings sweeping immigration policy changes affecting millions of visa holders and green card applicants. From the new Gold Card visa program to stricter citizenship tests and expanded travel bans, here's everything you need to know about these critical updates.
The U.S. State Department released December 2025 cutoff numbers for DV-2026 green card lottery selectees while DV-2027 registration remains delayed due to the new $1 fee implementation. Over 20.8 million applicants submitted entries for DV-2026, with approximately 129,516 selected for 52,000 available diversity visas.
The U.S. Department of State ends its grace period for non-compliant passport photos on December 31, 2025, with immediate rejections starting January 2026 for any AI-edited images. New ICAO biometric standards and CBP facial recognition requirements also take effect, affecting millions of travelers worldwide.
December 2025 brings sweeping visa policy changes affecting millions of travelers and immigrants worldwide. From new US biometric requirements and expanded travel bans to UK immigration fee increases and Schengen Entry/Exit System implementation, here are the 12 most critical updates you need to know before year-end travel.
Major ID card requirements changes take effect in December 2025, including a new TSA $45 fee for travelers without REAL ID starting February 2026, digital ID expansion to 14 states, and the EU biometric ID card deadline for UK entry on December 31, 2025.
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