Posted on by Poblete Tamargo LLP

New Travel rules for Non-U.S. Citizens

By Mike Rodriguez, Senior Policy Advisor

Shortly before the New Year, the United States implemented stricter new travel rules for non-citizens. These regulations include enhanced documentation requirements and additional health screenings at entry points.  Travelers are now advised to review the updated guidelines before planning their trips to ensure compliance with the latest protocols. These new protocols include:

Mandatory Biometric Screening

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched a new nationwide mandate requiring all non-citizens to provide biometric data upon entry or exit. 

  • Universal Coverage: The rule applies to all non-U.S. citizens, including Green Card holders (Lawful Permanent Residents), visa holders, and previously exempt Canadian visitors.
  • No Age Exemptions: Children under 14 and adults over 79, who were previously exempt from biometric capture, must now participate.
  • Entry and Exit Points: Screening occurs at all airports, seaports, and land crossings.
  • Data Collected: While facial photographs are the primary requirement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may also collect fingerprints and iris scans. 

Expanded Travel Bans and Visa Restrictions

New presidential proclamations have significantly increased the number of countries subject to entry restrictions. 

  • 40-Country Impact: As of late 2025, restrictions have been expanded to cover nationals from 40 countries, citing inadequate vetting and security cooperation.
  • Full Entry Bans: Nationals from 19 “high-risk” countries face a full suspension of entry for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas if they are outside the U.S. and do not hold a valid visa as of January 1, 2026.
  • Affected Nations: Restricted countries include (subject to change):
    • Afghanistan
    • Iran
    • Somalia
    • Libya
    • Yemen
    • Sudan
    • Venezuela
    • Cuba, and others.
  • Heightened Scrutiny: Holders of green cards or visas from these 19 countries may face intensive reviews and detailed questioning at borders. 

Additional Regulatory Changes

  • Visa Bonds: A pilot program requires certain tourist visa applicants (e.g., from Malawi or Zambia) to pay a refundable “visa bond” of $5,000 to $15,000.
  • Parole Fees: Effective October 2025, a new $1,000 fee is required for most foreign nationals granted parole into the U.S.

REAL ID Requirement: Starting May 7, 2025, non-citizens must use a REAL ID-compliant document (such as a Green Card or EAD) or a passport to board domestic flights. 

About the Author

Miguel “Mike” E. Rodriguez is a Senior Policy Advisor with Poblete Tamargo LLP, focusing on U.S. immigration matters, including consular processing, employment-based immigration, Cuban migration/mass migration, and refugee issues. He brings two decades of experience from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he coordinated USCIS engagement with Congress and served as a principal point of contact on Cuba-related inquiries, among other roles.

This post is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Each case turns on its facts.

Poblete Tamargo is a boutique national security law and public policy practice advising clients on complex matters, including complex consular matters, wrongful detention by foreign governments, economic sanctions, export controls, and congressional oversight. We also counsel employers and travelers on compliant travel planning, documentation, and government engagement strategies. To discuss a specific situation, contact our team.