U.S. Travel Alerts: Potential Consulate Closures and Travel Bans

January 1, 2026, Update — The Trump administration has expanded its entry ban to include additional countries, imposing full restrictions on nationals from 17 nations and certain holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents. The updated policy, effective January 1, 2026, reflects the administration’s stated goal of tightening vetting and information‑sharing requirements. For more details, read Trump Administration Expands Ban on Entry of Foreign Nationals.

U.S. Travel Alerts 

Multiple news outlets report that the Trump administration plans to make two changes that could soon impact international travel. 

U.S. Consulates 

First, the State Department plans to close a dozen U.S. consulates abroad by Summer 2025. In addition, the administration also may potentially impose cuts to consular staffing and budgets. The reported list of consulates includes: 

• Florence, Italy;  
• Strasbourg, France;  
• Hamburg, Germany; and  
• Ponta Delgada, Portugal.  

While not all consulates process U.S. visas, closures and staffing cuts could impact appointment wait times for those that do. 

Potential Travel Bans 

Separately, in response to a January executive order requiring agencies to recommend extreme vetting and entry restrictions for nationals of specific countries, the Trump administration is finalizing travel bans similar to those imposed by President Trump during his first term. Countries subject to previous travel bans included: 

• Cuba 
• Iran 
• Libya 
• North Korea 
• Somalia 
• Sudan 
• Syria 
• Venezuela 
• Yemen.  

Additional countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, could be added to the list, according to reports by Reuters and the New York Times. More details are expected in the coming weeks. 

Planning for International Travel 

While the specifics of both plans are not yet finalized, international travel plans should be made with caution and in consultation with immigration counsel. Additional details will be provided as available.