News Alert

December 18, 2025

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADVISORY

Given the current uncertainties and increased scrutiny as outlined below, foreign nationals in the United States must be aware of the heightened risks of international travel. This includes increased scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry, expanded country-specific travel bans, and the growing risk of being delayed or unable to return to the United States. 
 

WHITE HOUSE EXPANDS JUNE 2025 TRAVEL BAN

 

The White House issued a proclamation on December 16th expanding the list of countries initially included on the June 2025 travel ban including entry restrictions on nationals from the specified countries. Starting January 1, 2026, this travel ban will apply to 39 countries, up from 19, and subjecting them to either full or partial entry restrictions. All of the initial 19 countries remain on the ban, but may have moved from partial to fully restricted. The list now includes the following countries:

 

Fully restricted: Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burkina Faso (new), Mali (new), Niger (new), South Sudan (new), Syria (new)

 

Partially restricted: Angola (new), Antigua and Barbuda (new), Benin (new) Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire (new), Cuba, Dominica (new), Gabon (new), The Gambia (new), Malawi (new), Mauritania (new), Nigeria (new), Senegal (new), Tanzania (new), Togo, Tonga (new), Turkmenistan (partial restrictions lifted for nonimmigrant visas only), Venezuela, Zambia (new), Zimbabwe (new)

 

Who does this apply to? It applies only to foreign nationals from these countries that are outside of the United States on January 1, 2026, or do not have visas by this date. No visas will be revoked and individuals who currently hold visas can continue to use them. Any new visa applications could be subject to this ban.

 

Who is exempt? See T&R news alert of June 9th for exemptions.

 

What does it mean for the “pause” on adjudications? It is unclear at this time whether the pause on the adjudication of immigration benefits from the initial 19 countries now expands to all 39 countries. 

 

For immigrants and nonimmigrants from the 39 countries affected by the travel ban starting January 1, including U.S. permanent residents and green card holders, T&R recommends that you do not travel internationally if you need to apply for a new visa. To best understand the risks and necessary preparation for international travel, T&R advises that you seek advice from immigration counsel.

ONLINE & SOCIAL MEDIA REVIEW EXPANDS TO H-1B & H-4 VISA APPLICANTS

 

On December 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced an expansion of the screening and vetting process for all H-1B and dependent H-4 visa applicants, requiring them to make their social media profiles public as part of the visa processing. See announcement here. This online review process has been in place for F, M and J visa applicants since June 2025; this is the first expansion of this policy to H-1 and H-4 visa applicants. The State Department will review online profiles of visa applicants to identify any national security risks and determine visa eligibility.

 

Key takeaways: 

 

  • Social medial accounts must be made public:  All applicants should make their social media accounts “public” at least 1 week prior to their scheduled appointments.
  • Expect delays: H-1B and H-4 applicants should expect delays in visa appointment scheduling and processing times due to the enhanced screening.
  • Appointments delayed or cancelled: Embassies and consulates may cancel and reschedule visa appointments as they implement this additional vetting process.
  • Possible RFEs or denials: Applicants should be prepared for the possibility of visa denials or requests for additional information if any derogatory online information is found during the review of their social media and other available information.

DHS PROPOSED RULED: Social Media & Screening Expansion

 

The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that would require visitors from the 42 countries enrolled in the U.S. Visa Waiver program to submit extensive personal information as a part of their entry process – including five years’ worth of social media activity, email addresses used over the past decade, phone numbers, and home addresses of immediate family members. This rule is pending now and open for public comment for 60 days before potentially going into effect.

 

The administration justifies the proposed rule by indicating that it enhances national security by identifying individuals who might pose a threat, although specific criteria for what constitutes a threat have not been clearly defined. Online activities, such as posts or social media interactions perceived as “anti-American” or contrary to the Trump administration’s values, could result in entry denial.

 

T&R will provide further updates on this rule as it becomes final.