U.S. Flight Restrictions Officially Lifted After 11-Day Emergency
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifted all commercial flight restrictions on Monday, November 18, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. EST, ending unprecedented emergency measures that affected 40 major U.S. airports. The restrictions, implemented on November 7 due to air traffic controller staffing shortages during the government shutdown, caused thousands of flight delays and cancellations across the country.
Airlines immediately resumed normal flight schedules at high-traffic hubs including New York City's three major airports, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington, D.C. The FAA confirmed that air traffic control staffing levels have returned to safe operational levels, allowing full service restoration.
Major Travel Restrictions Changes This Week
Several critical updates took effect between November 11-18, 2025, impacting international travelers worldwide:
- FAA Flight Limits Ended: All restrictions at 40 U.S. airports lifted November 18 at 6 a.m. EST, restoring normal flight operations
- Europe EES Expansion: Port of Dover and Channel crossings now require biometric registration for all vehicle passengers as of November 1
- U.S. Visa Interview Policy: All immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of residence/nationality since November 1 (third-country processing eliminated)
- Canada Travel Advisories: Updated warnings for U.S. travel (flight disruptions) and India travel (security concerns) issued November 11
- Ongoing U.S. Travel Ban: 19 countries remain under full or partial entry restrictions implemented June 9, with potential green card application impacts
These changes affect millions of travelers planning trips between now and the holiday season. Additionally, the Trump administration announced plans to use travel ban designations as negative factors in green card and immigration benefit applications.
Who Is Affected by These Travel Updates
The November 2025 travel restrictions impact different traveler groups in specific ways. Understanding how these changes affect your travel plans is essential for smooth journeys.
For U.S. Domestic Travelers
If you experienced flight delays or cancellations between November 7-17, you may be entitled to automatic refunds under new DOT regulations. Airlines must provide refunds for canceled flights or significant schedule changes. Check your airline's rebooking options if your flight was affected during the FAA restriction period.
For International Visitors to Europe
Non-EU nationals traveling to any of the 30 Schengen countries through Dover or other external borders must now provide biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) at entry points. Budget extra time at border crossings—biometric processing adds 10-15 minutes per person. The Entry/Exit System (EES) registration is mandatory for all travelers, including those driving personal vehicles.
For Visa Applicants
If you're applying for a U.S. immigrant visa, you can no longer interview at third-country consulates. You must schedule appointments in your country of nationality or legal residence. This policy change, effective November 1, significantly impacts applicants who previously used more convenient consulate locations. Plan accordingly, as appointment wait times vary by location.
For Travelers from Travel Ban Countries
Nationals from 12 countries face complete U.S. entry bans (Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen), while 7 countries have partial restrictions (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela). The Trump administration now considers these designations as negative factors in green card applications, even for applicants outside the banned categories.
How to Navigate New Travel Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with the latest travel restrictions:
- Check Flight Status Daily: Even though FAA restrictions are lifted, monitor your airline's app for schedule changes during the recovery period (through November 25)
- Verify Visa Requirements: Visit travel.state.gov or your destination country's official immigration website to confirm current entry requirements and documentation needs
- Register for Biometric Systems: If traveling to Europe, allow extra time at borders for EES registration; first-time registration takes 10-15 minutes per traveler
- Schedule Visa Interviews Early: U.S. visa applicants should book appointments in their home country immediately; some consulates have 6+ month wait times
- Prepare Compliant Documents: Ensure your passport photo meets all requirements for visa applications, as photo rejections cause significant processing delays
- Review Travel Advisories: Check your government's official travel advisory website weekly, as situations change rapidly (Canada updates advisories every 2-3 days)
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates for current and upcoming travel restrictions:
- November 1, 2025: Europe's EES biometric system expanded to Dover vehicle crossings; U.S. immigrant visa third-country processing eliminated
- November 7-17, 2025: FAA emergency flight restrictions at 40 U.S. airports (now lifted)
- November 11, 2025: Canada updated travel advisories for U.S. (flight disruptions) and India (security concerns)
- November 18, 2025: FAA lifted all commercial flight restrictions at 6 a.m. EST, restoring normal operations nationwide
- May 7, 2026 (Coming Soon): REAL ID enforcement begins for domestic U.S. flights; standard driver's licenses no longer accepted for airport security
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Refund If My Flight Was Canceled During the FAA Restrictions?
Yes. Under new Department of Transportation rules effective in 2025, airlines must automatically refund passengers for canceled flights or significant schedule changes. If your flight was canceled between November 7-17 due to FAA restrictions, contact your airline directly for a full refund. You don't need to accept travel credits—cash refunds are required by law.
Do I Need Biometric Registration If I've Traveled to Europe Before?
Yes, if you're a non-EU national. The Entry/Exit System (EES) launched in 2025 requires all non-EU travelers to register biometrics at Schengen borders, even if you've visited previously. First-time registration takes 10-15 minutes. Once registered, your biometric data is valid for three years, and subsequent entries will be faster using automated gates.
How Does the U.S. Travel Ban Affect Green Card Applications?
The Trump administration announced in November 2025 that nationality from travel ban countries will be considered a significant negative factor in green card and immigration benefit applications. This applies even to applicants not directly banned from entry. Immigration officials have discretion to deny applications based on country of origin, making legal representation more critical for affected applicants.
Can I Still Interview for a U.S. Visa in a Third Country?
No, not for immigrant visas. As of November 1, 2025, all U.S. immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of nationality or legal residence. Nonimmigrant visa applicants (tourists, students, temporary workers) have been subject to this requirement since September 2025. Third-country processing is no longer available at any U.S. consulate worldwide.
What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip
Travel restrictions continue to evolve rapidly throughout November 2025, with the FAA flight crisis resolution marking a turning point for U.S. domestic travel. However, international travelers face increasingly complex requirements, from Europe's mandatory biometric registration to stricter U.S. visa interview policies. Canadian travelers should note that flight operations are normalizing, but advisories remain in effect.
Before booking any international travel, verify current requirements with official government sources and ensure your passport photo meets all specifications for visa applications. VisaPics provides compliant passport and visa photos for over 172 countries and 952 document types, helping you avoid application delays caused by photo rejections. Stay informed by checking travel advisories weekly, as governments update restrictions frequently in response to changing conditions.