U.S. Enforces Expanded Travel Restrictions and REAL ID Deadline

Starting January 1, 2026, the United States has officially implemented a significant expansion of its travel ban, affecting both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants from nearly 40 countries.

This new federal proclamation, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. EST, primarily targets future visa issuances while allowing current valid visa holders to remain in the country.

This move marks a tightening of border security measures aimed at protecting national interests as the new year begins.

Simultaneously, the long-awaited REAL ID enforcement is now in full swing at airports across the nation. Travelers are no longer permitted to use standard driver's licenses to clear TSA checkpoints for domestic flights; a REAL ID-compliant document or a passport is now mandatory.

This change has led to a flurry of activity at security gates this morning as agents verify updated identification for millions of New Year’s Day passengers.