The EU and UK criticized the US for imposing travel bans on five Europeans accused of pressuring tech firms to censor US views, warning of potential retaliatory actions and emphasizing their sovereignty and democratic digital rules.
The US is adding Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica to its list of travel restrictions starting January 1, 2026, due to concerns over their citizenship-by-investment programs, which may hinder US visa vetting processes. The partial ban affects certain visa types for citizens of these countries but does not impact US citizens or all foreign travelers.
President Trump expanded US travel bans to 39 countries, including Syria, several African nations, and Palestinian Authority territories, citing security concerns and issues with document verification, with new restrictions starting January 1, 2026.
The US has announced a new visa bond requirement of up to $15,000 for tourists and business travelers from Zambia and Malawi, aiming to curb visa overstays. This move, part of broader immigration tightening measures, has been criticized as unfair and burdensome, especially for genuine travelers from these poorer nations, and raises concerns about potential expansion of travel restrictions across Africa.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico faces potential impacts from political tensions, protests, and US travel bans, which could affect fan attendance and the overall atmosphere of the tournament.
BBC Verify is fact-checking the White House's justification for new travel bans against 12 countries, while also monitoring the situation in Gaza, the impact of Ukraine's drone strikes, and the effectiveness of extending free school meals in England.
U.S. universities, including Columbia and Harvard, are advising international students to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, due to concerns over potential travel bans and stricter immigration policies. This caution stems from past experiences with Trump's travel bans, which affected students from Muslim-majority countries. The uncertainty surrounding future immigration policies is causing anxiety among international students, potentially impacting university enrollments, especially from countries like China and India.
Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency in several Western New York counties, including Erie, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, and Wyoming, due to severe lake-effect snow expected to bring over two feet of accumulation and wind gusts up to 45 mph. Travel bans and road closures have been implemented in affected areas, with specific restrictions on highways and for certain vehicles. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay informed through emergency alerts.
Multiple municipalities in Western New York, including Buffalo, have issued travel bans and advisories due to a snowstorm and lake effect snow. The bans are in effect until further notice, and a travel advisory covers all of Erie County. The area is under a Lake Effect Snow Warning until Thursday evening, with snowfall rates predicted to reach up to 3 inches in some parts of Western New York.
The Biden administration is reportedly planning to impose travel bans on Israeli settlers accused of carrying out attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed this message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that the administration wants to hold settlers accountable for their actions. The travel bans, which could be announced as early as next week, would exclude affected settlers from the Visa Waiver Program. The move comes as the Israeli Defense Forces enter the "next stage of the war" following the collapse of a cease-fire deal, and Pakistan condemns Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, calling for a renewed cease-fire for humanitarian aid delivery.