Important: How the New U.S. Travel Ban May Affect Your Holiday Travel

Effective January 1, 2026

As international travel increases during the holiday season, many individuals are making decisions about whether—and when—to travel abroad. Against that backdrop, the U.S. government has announced a revised and expanded travel ban scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

This article provides an overview of what is changing in U.S. immigration law, who may be affected, and why the timing of travel matters. It is intended to inform—not alarm—readers as they plan ahead.

What Is Changing?

Beginning January 1, 2026, new U.S. entry and visa restrictions will apply to certain foreign nationals based on nationality and travel documentation. The restrictions primarily affect visa issuance abroad and eligibility to enter the United States for individuals who are outside the U.S. and do not hold a valid U.S. visa on that date.

Importantly, this policy does not revoke visas that were issued before January 1, 2026, nor does it apply to individuals already present in the United States on that date. However, for those who travel internationally and require a visa to return, timing and status may become critical.

Countries Subject to Full Restrictions

Nationals of the following countries, as well as individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority–issued travel documents, may be subject to full suspension of immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance under the revised policy:

• Afghanistan

• Burma (Myanmar)

• Chad

• Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

• Burkina Faso

• Laos

• Mali

• Niger

• Sierra Leone

• South Sudan

• Syria

• Palestinian Authority travel document holders

Countries Subject to Partial Restrictions

The following countries are subject to partial restrictions, which may limit certain visa categories, including visitor (B), student (F/M), exchange (J), and some immigrant visas:

• Angola

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Benin

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Côte d’Ivoire

• Dominica

• Gabon

• The Gambia

• Malawi

• Mauritania

• Nigeria

• Senegal

• Tanzania

• Togo

• Tonga

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

• Zambia

• Zimbabwe

Who Is Not Affected by the New Restrictions?

The revised travel ban generally does not apply to:

• U.S. citizens

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)

• Individuals physically present in the United States on January 1, 2026

• Individuals outside the U.S. who already hold a valid U.S. visa on January 1, 2026

• Dual nationals traveling with a passport from a non-designated country

• Certain diplomats and limited special-category visas

• Very narrow humanitarian or national-interest exceptions, granted on a case-by-case basis🧠 Why This Matters for Holiday Travel

Many immigration emergencies happen because someone travels without realizing how quickly policies can change.

If you:

• Have a pending immigration application

• Have temporary status (like DACA, TPS, etc.)

• Need to apply for a visa abroad

• Are unsure whether your visa will still be valid in 2026

You should speak with an immigration attorney before traveling.

Why This Matters for Holiday Travel

Travel-related immigration problems often arise not because someone violated the law, but because policies changed while they were abroad. For individuals with pending immigration applications, temporary status, or upcoming visa processing, international travel can introduce risk that is not always obvious at the time of departure.

With a policy change scheduled for early 2026, holiday travel decisions made in late 2025 may have consequences months later—particularly for travelers who expect to apply for visas abroad or rely on consular processing to return.

Advance planning allows individuals and families to evaluate timing, documentation, and risk before travel occurs, rather than responding to complications after the fact.

Plan Before You Travel—Legal Guidance That Looks Ahead

Holland Global Law, led by Attorney Tatiauna Holland, provides proactive legal guidance in immigration, estate planning, and cross-border strategy to individuals and families across the United States and internationally.

We work with individuals and families navigating international travel, pending immigration matters, and long-term planning—so risks are addressed before they become emergencies.

With over a decade of experience, Attorney Holland provides strategic guidance in immigration, citizenship, family preparedness, and cross-border planning—helping clients move forward with clarity, confidence, and security.

If you are considering international travel or have questions about how upcoming policy changes may affect you, a one-on-one strategy session can help you plan with clarity and confidence.

Important Disclaimer

This article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration outcomes are highly fact-specific, and readers should consult qualified legal counsel regarding their individual situation.