Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to the United States.
United States Status
WATCH
Travel to the United States continues normally for most eligible travellers, with international flights and major airports operating. However, significant visa and entry restrictions currently affect nationals of dozens of countries, while some visa applicants may face additional screening or visa-bond requirements.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Major entry restrictions are in effect
Since January 2026, the United States has fully or partially suspended visa issuance and entry for nationals of dozens of countries. The restrictions differ by nationality and visa category, and exemptions apply in certain circumstances.
Check your nationality before planning a trip
Travellers should not assume that holding a passport that previously qualified for a U.S. visa means the same rules still apply. Nationals of countries covered by current restrictions should check their exact visa category and whether an exemption applies before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
ESTA remains required for Visa Waiver travellers
Eligible travellers using the Visa Waiver Program need an approved ESTA before travelling to the United States by air or sea. An approved ESTA is also required for Visa Waiver Program travellers seeking entry through a land border.
Visa bonds affect some travellers
Nationals of a growing list of countries can be subject to the U.S. visa-bond program when applying for certain B-1/B-2 visitor visas. Where imposed by a consular officer, the traveller may be required to post a refundable bond as a condition of visa issuance.
Flights and airports
The United States has a very large aviation network and ordinary domestic and international services continue. Weather, air traffic control issues and other local events can cause substantial delays at individual airports without representing a nationwide travel disruption.
Latest Travel Changes
Expanded visa and entry restrictions
Entry restrictions in force from January 2026 fully or partially affect nationals of 39 countries, with different rules depending on nationality and visa category. Travellers from affected countries should verify their eligibility before applying or travelling.
Visa-bond requirements expanded
The United States has expanded the list of nationalities covered by its visa-bond program. Affected B-1/B-2 applicants may be required by a consular officer to provide a refundable bond as a condition of receiving a visa.
Visa screening continues to expand
The United States has expanded online-presence screening across several nonimmigrant visa categories. Further categories are scheduled to come under expanded screening from October 2026.
No nationwide aviation disruption identified
Commercial aviation and major U.S. airports continue to operate. The country’s WATCH classification is therefore primarily due to current entry and visa restrictions rather than a nationwide transport disruption.
Before You Travel
Check whether your nationality currently requires a visa, qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program or is affected by U.S. entry restrictions.
If travelling under the Visa Waiver Program, obtain an approved ESTA before departure and check its status before making your journey.
If applying for a B-1/B-2 visa, check whether your nationality is currently covered by the U.S. visa-bond program.
Do not assume that possession of a visa or ESTA guarantees admission. Final admission decisions are made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.
Check your airline and individual flight status before travelling to the airport, particularly during severe weather or major operational disruptions.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.