Key Points
- The US State Department reportedly plans to close 12 consulates abroad by Summer 2025, reducing consular staffing and budgets.
- Confirmed consulates on the list include locations in Italy, France, Germany, and Portugal.
- Consular closures and staffing cuts could increase visa processing and consular services wait times.
- The Trump administration is finalizing new travel bans targeting specific countries under an executive order on extreme vetting.
- Countries previously impacted by US travel bans include Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, with Afghanistan and Pakistan now under consideration.
- International travelers should consult immigration counsel before making plans due to the potential for significant policy shifts.
Overview
According to multiple news outlets, the Trump administration plans to make two changes that could soon impact international travel.
US Consulate Closures
The United States Department of State plans to close a dozen US consulates abroad by Summer 2025. In addition, the administration also may impose cuts to consular staffing and budgets. The reported list of consulates includes:
- Florence, Italy
- Strasbourg, France
- Hamburg, Germany
- Ponta Delgada, Portugal
While not all consulates process US visas, closures, and staffing cuts could impact appointment wait times for those that do.
Potential Travel Bans
In response to a January executive order requiring agencies to recommend extreme vetting and entry restrictions for nationals of specific countries, the Trump administration is finalizing travel bans similar to those imposed by President Trump during his first term. Countries subject to previous travel bans included:
- Cuba
- Iran
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Yemen
According to Reuters and the New York Times reports, additional countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, could be added to the list. More details are expected in the coming weeks.
Planning for International Travel
While the specifics of both plans are not yet finalized, international travel plans should be made cautiously and in consultation with immigration counsel. Additional details will be provided as available.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. If you want guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and are a client of the Corporate Immigration Partners, PC, consult your attorney. If you are not a CIP client, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with CIP.
