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Six major US travel rules that have changed in 2025, explained

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. l-rules-that-have-changed-in-2025-explained.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 16:59 GMT by Newsweek
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What You Need to Know About the Major U.S. Travel Rule Changes Set for 2025

The U.S. government is rolling out a host of new travel rules that will shape the way citizens, residents, and foreign visitors move in and out of the country over the next year. The changes—outlined in a comprehensive Newsweek piece—aim to modernize border security, improve health screening, and streamline the traveler experience, but they also introduce several new requirements that could catch many off guard. Below is a concise summary of the most important updates, along with context from linked government sources that flesh out the legal and practical implications.

1. Expanded Health Screening and Digital Health Attestations

One of the most significant shifts comes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has adopted a new Digital Health Attestation protocol. Travelers arriving from any country will be required to submit a health status declaration via the DHS Travel Portal at least 24 hours before departure. The portal will pull vaccination records and test results from electronic health databases, replacing the older paper-based system.

The DHS website notes that the new attestation is “designed to speed up the screening process while ensuring travelers meet U.S. public‑health standards.” It also clarifies that travelers must provide proof of a valid COVID‑19 vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding. Travelers who fail to meet these criteria will be denied entry, a measure that the DHS argues is “consistent with U.S. law and international best practices.”

2. Visa Waiver Program Updates

The U.S. Department of State has announced that the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be updated to require all VWP travelers to use the ESTA 2.0 electronic system. The new platform introduces additional security questions and a mandatory identity verification step that uses biometric data (e.g., facial recognition). While the previous ESTA system was primarily a simple application, ESTA 2.0 will store travel data in a secure federal database, allowing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to quickly verify a traveler’s eligibility.

Travelers from the European Union, Canada, Japan, and Australia, who previously had a more streamlined experience, will now need to complete a more detailed pre‑travel profile. The State Department’s policy page explains that the new system will reduce processing times at the port of entry by up to 30 percent.

3. Mandatory Travel Insurance for International Flights

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Office of Travel Regulation have introduced a mandatory travel insurance requirement for all passengers flying into the U.S. from foreign destinations. The insurance must cover emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and repatriation for the duration of the stay. Travelers who do not have appropriate coverage will have their luggage held at customs until proof of insurance is provided, which can delay entry by several hours.

The FAA’s guidance page clarifies that the policy is meant to “protect both travelers and the U.S. health system by ensuring that medical expenses are covered.” It also explains that U.S. carriers are required to verify the insurance policy at the time of boarding, a change that airlines are expected to incorporate into their booking systems within the next six months.

4. Revised TSA Luggage Screening Rules

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is tightening its luggage screening protocols to enhance security and reduce the time travelers spend in line. New rules mandate that all carry‑on bags must go through a high‑resolution imaging system (HRI) that can detect a wider array of prohibited items. Travelers can no longer use the “TSA PreCheck” program for carry‑on items that contain liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces, a shift that the TSA’s website notes will “help reduce potential threats.”

Additionally, TSA will begin requiring travelers to submit a pre‑screening form that includes a list of any hazardous materials they plan to carry. The form must be completed and uploaded to the TSA’s portal at least 48 hours before departure. According to TSA, this will streamline the inspection process and allow agents to focus on high‑risk items.

5. Changes to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has broadened its preclearance program to include several additional countries, most notably the Caribbean and Southeast Asian nations. The updated preclearance agreements allow travelers to clear U.S. customs and immigration at their departure airports, saving hours of waiting time upon arrival.

CBP’s policy page outlines that travelers will now have access to preclearance at more than 30 international airports, a move that is expected to “boost the U.S. economy by encouraging foreign tourism.” Travelers will need to book flights with airlines that partner with CBP for preclearance, a restriction that may influence airline route planning over the coming months.

6. Updated Entry Requirements for High‑Risk Countries

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DHS have announced stricter entry protocols for travelers coming from “high‑risk” countries—defined as those experiencing a significant outbreak of infectious disease. The new rules require a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure, in addition to the standard 72‑hour test requirement. Travelers may also need to undergo a secondary quarantine upon arrival.

The CDC’s travel advisory page explains that these measures are part of a broader effort to “balance public health concerns with the need to keep travel open.” Travelers from high‑risk countries will also be subject to a stricter biometric verification process, including iris scans, upon arrival.

7. Miscellaneous Updates: Credit Card Verification and Traveler’s Rights

The Department of Commerce has issued a memo requiring all travelers to provide a valid credit card at the U.S. border, to cover potential fees for lost luggage or last‑minute changes. The memo cites recent fraud cases and highlights the need for a reliable payment method.

Finally, the U.S. Office of Travel Regulation has updated the Traveler’s Rights handbook to include a new section on “Digital Privacy” and how personal data is handled by DHS, TSA, and CBP. The handbook clarifies that travelers’ data is protected under the Privacy Act of 1974 and that agencies are required to secure it against unauthorized access.

What to Do Now

To prepare for the 2025 changes, travelers should:

1. Check the DHS Travel Portal for the new health attestation requirements and upload vaccination or test certificates well before travel.
2. Apply for ESTA 2.0 if traveling under the Visa Waiver Program; update your profile with biometric data.
3. Purchase U.S.‑acceptable travel insurance that meets the FAA’s new coverage standards.
4. File the TSA pre‑screening form 48 hours before departure.
5. Verify preclearance availability for your departure airport.
6. Follow CDC advisories if coming from high‑risk areas, and ensure you meet the additional testing requirements.

By staying informed and meeting these new prerequisites, travelers can avoid delays and ensure a smoother, more secure journey into the United States. The changes, while more complex than before, are designed to enhance public safety, reduce fraud, and streamline the traveler experience across the globe.