In today’s evolving travel landscape, geopolitical developments, shifting economic priorities, and tightening border restrictions are increasingly shaping how and where employees can travel for business. From tariff-related disruptions to new entry requirements and visa limitations, travel managers are facing growing complexity when it comes to planning international trips and keeping costs down while doing so.
For multi-national organizations, this means it is critical to anticipate potential risks and ensure all travelers are equipped with accurate information before their departure. Here’s what travel managers need to know about the latest changes to travel.
New U.S. Entry Restrictions
The U.S. government has recently introduced new travel restrictions that may impact how international business travelers enter the United States. While this is not the first time such restrictions have been enacted, it remains imperative for travel managers to stay informed to minimize disruption and support traveler safety.
Effective June 9, 2025, the U.S. government enacted entry restrictions for foreign nationals from the following countries:
- Full entry suspensions for travelers from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
- Limited visa suspensions for travelers from 7 countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
- Exemptions exist for U.S. lawful permanent residents, travelers with valid U.S. visas issued before June 9, dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country, and certain other designated groups.
Businesses with international travelers should also be aware that additional countries may be added to this list. These changes echo earlier U.S. travel policies from 2017, which had lasting implications for international mobility and corporate travel planning. Recent analyses suggest that similar restrictions today could again further complicate global business operations, making it all the more critical for travel managers to stay vigilant.
How to Prepare for a Smooth U.S. Border Entry
Given the potential range of traveler backgrounds within multi-national companies, it is increasingly important to equip employees with the resources and awareness needed for successful U.S. entry. In addition to travelers from the newly restricted countries highlighted above, others may also experience heightened scrutiny:
- International travelers from non-restricted countries, such as Canada, have been advised to expect additional scrutiny at ports of entry and to be prepared to show evidence of legal presence in the U.S.
- U,S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders) typically retain the right to reenter the United States without issue, but it remains best practice to understand their legal protections at the border as well as commonly asked questions that may arise at ports of entry.
While travel managers cannot control if additional screenings or delays occur, providing education on expected procedures can help reduce surprises and empower all travelers to navigate border crossings more confidently.
Duty of Care and Device Confidentiality
Device screening at U.S. borders continues to be a topic of discussion, particularly for international travelers carrying sensitive business information. Border agents are allowed to inspect personal and work-related electronic devices, regardless of a traveler’s citizenship status.
- United States citizens generally cannot be denied reentry for declining to unlock their device, however border patrol agents can detain devices for further inspection.
- Non-citizens may face additional implications, including delays or denial of entry. While these travelers can still request to opt-out of a device search, it is important to understand the risks associated with not complying.
For global organizations, these scenarios raise important duty of care considerations. Travel managers should understand the digital privacy rights of their travelers and work closely with internal stakeholders such as IT and legal teams to develop appropriate protocols for handling sensitive data in transit.
Travel managers should also remind employees to take basic precautions when traveling with sensitive data, such as using strong passwords and encrypting their devices. Additionally, international travelers can consider temporarily disabling biometric logins like Face ID or fingerprint unlock. This is because. while travelers cannot be compelled to share a password or passcode, they can be required to unlock a device using biometrics. Adhering to best practices is especially relevant as biometric screening continues to expand globally, particularly in the U.S. and EU.
What Else Travel Managers Can Do
To stay ahead of evolving regulations and safeguard their travelers, here are key actions for travel managers to consider:
- Ensure traveler profiles are current, especially emergency contact details and passport & visa information, to help flag potential risks for future bookings.
- Review the company’s travel approval process and incorporate additional oversight for international trips, such as entry limitations or visa restrictions.
- Remind U.S. citizens to carry REAL ID-compliant identification, which is now required even for domestic air travel.
- Pause U.S.-bound bookings for travelers who only hold a restricted-country passport unless they meet exemption criteria.
As cross-border travel becomes more complex, it is essential for travel managers to remain agile and informed. Thankfully, they do not need to take on this burden alone.
Managing Shifting Travel Restrictions
Especially during times of uncertainty, leaning on a strategic travel partner can provide the guidance, resources, and expertise needed to guide an organization toward future success.
At Direct Travel, we have been monitoring not only the specific entry restrictions highlighted above, but also the broader regulatory landscape impacting corporate travel. From helping your team prepare for U.S. border protocols to advising on duty of care policies, we’re here to help you maintain a compliant, traveler-ready program.
If your organization is ready to reduce your business travel risks, our experts are ready to help you stay compliant and thrive in today’s evolving environment.
