If you are a U.S. citizen, always check State Department for any changes or restrictions by country. And always register your travel plans with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them inn case of emergency.

Much is happening in the world these days that is resulting in rapidly changing travel requirements to many countries. Bottom line: travelers must be informed before you book your airline reservations. In many cases, the carrier you book with can provide information on any restrictions or visa requirements to your destination country.

Effective October 2025, U.S. citizens need to comply with new visa requirements when traveling to Europe as well as Brazil.

New Entry Requirements for Europe

As of October 12, 2025, U.S. citizens who plan to travel to 29 European countries are now required to go through the EU’s new Entry and Exit System. The system collects and stores digital information, including fingerprints, facial images, passport details, and entry and exit dates. This is a requirement for all visits lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

In addition, U.S. citizen will now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom for short trips, tourism, or business if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency.

Visa Requirements for Brazil

As of April 10, 2025, all U.S. nationals are now required to have a visa to enter Brazil. This includes the option for an e-visa for qualified applicants. Travelers should check the Brazilian government’s authorized website for application procedures and further details.

For questions about the e-visa and applications procedures, visit the Brazilian government authorized website: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/

I applied online for my Brazil visa when I went to the Pantanal last July 2025. The process was rather straightforward, though they can get a bit picky on the photo requirements. I had to resubmit another photo and so did my photography instructor. However, my e-visa was granted in one week and is effective for 10 years with a valid passport.

Level 4 Advisories and Restrictions

Check specific visa requirements for each destination before making travel arrangements.

President Trump has recently imposed visa restrictions that now apply to some 39 countries around in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Many of these also fall into the highest level of travel restriction – a Level Four ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory from the State Department. This usually happens when a country is considered hostile to the U.S. or highly dangerous due to war or instability. While not an outright travel ban, they are considered risky to U.S. citizens to visit these countries.

As an example, Russia has this restriction due to Russian hostility to the U.S., but in the case of Ukraine it’s  because it is an active war zone.

Level Four restrictions aren’t an outright travel ban but rather are an advisory that travel is considered risky for U.S. citizens to visit these countries.

In addition to Level Four advisories, U.S. citizens can’t travel to North Korea due to restrictions.

Cuba is another example where travel is restricted, and U.S. citizens are only allowed to go for family visits, government business, journalism, professional or educational purposes, religious activities, humanitarian projects, or because they support the Cuban people.

Countries with Level Four Travel Advisory

• Afghanistan
• Belarus
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Gaza (region-specific advisory; not a country)
• Haiti
• Iran
• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Mali
• Myanmar
• Niger
• North Korea
• Russia
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Syria
• Ukraine
• Venezuela
• Yemen

Karin Leperi Pezo is our Executive Editor; and a very knowledgeable world traveler, for any travel related questions, she may be reached at Karin@TravelerPublications.com