Biden Extends COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for Europe and Brazil, Lifts Muslim Travel Ban

WASHINGTON — November 20, 2025 — President Joe Biden announced the extension of COVID-19-related travel restrictions affecting most European countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Brazil, while simultaneously ending the travel ban on several Muslim-majority nations that had been implemented under the previous administration, officials said Wednesday.

The continuation of these restrictions aims to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants and protect public health amid ongoing concerns about international travel. According to authorities, the measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future, with periodic reviews based on evolving pandemic conditions.

Travelers from the majority of European Union member states, along with the UK and Ireland, will continue to face entry limitations into the United States. Brazil, which has experienced fluctuating COVID-19 case numbers, is also included in the extended restrictions. These policies require non-U.S. citizens who have recently visited these regions to undergo additional screening or quarantine protocols before entering the country.

In contrast, the Biden administration has formally ended the travel ban that targeted several Muslim-majority countries, a policy originally enacted during the Trump administration. Officials explained that this decision reflects a shift toward more inclusive immigration and travel policies, as well as recognition of improved pandemic conditions in those regions.

The reversal of the Muslim travel ban removes restrictions on citizens from countries such as Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, allowing for renewed travel and visa issuance processes. This change is expected to affect thousands of travelers and visa applicants who had previously faced barriers under the ban.

Public health experts have noted that the extended restrictions on Europe and Brazil are consistent with efforts to manage the risk of new COVID-19 variants entering the United States. Authorities emphasized that these measures are subject to change as global vaccination rates improve and infection rates decline.

The Biden administration has faced ongoing challenges balancing public health priorities with economic and diplomatic considerations related to international travel. Airlines and travel industry representatives have expressed concern about the impact of prolonged restrictions on transatlantic and South American routes.

Officials urged travelers to stay informed about the latest guidelines and to prepare for potential delays or additional requirements when planning international trips. U.S. citizens traveling abroad are advised to monitor updates from the State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The administration’s approach reflects broader efforts to adapt travel policies in response to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to protect public health while gradually restoring international mobility.