2026 summer travel readiness for employers and global workforces

Key takeaways

• New U.S. travel restrictions and immigration policy changes could impact foreign nationals from certain countries, making summer travel planning more complex.
• Ongoing visa appointment backlogs and reduced consular operations in some regions may lead to significant delays.
• Foreign nationals are experiencing stricter screening and vetting requirements for visas and at ports of entry.
• The FIFA World Cup is expected to drive cross-border travel this summer, requiring careful attention to entry requirements across countries.

Summer is an exciting, yet busy, time for traveling. Studies project that nearly 44% of people in the U.S. plan to travel internationally for the 2026 summer season. With vacation plans underway for many foreign nationals living in the U.S., employers with a global workforce should consider recent developments in visa processing and consular services that may impact their employees’ summer travel.

Notable visa processing changes

Applicants seeking to renew their visas abroad this summer should be aware of changes to the visa process that may not have been in place the last time they applied.

• Applicants must apply for a visa in their country of nationality or residence. If visa processing is unavailable in their country of nationality or last residence, they must apply at a designated location as noted on the State Department’s website.
• All visa applicants — including infants and the elderly — must appear for an in-person interview and can no longer have their interview waived, except in limited cases for certain diplomatic, B-1/B-2 and H-2 visa applicants.
• Visa applications must be submitted online at least two business days — and, in some cases, three — in advance of the interview.

These and other visa processing changes mean that careful planning is needed before traveling abroad.

Country-specific travel restrictions

Nationals of 39 countries and those traveling with Palestinian Authority-issued documents are subject to travel restrictions, which may prevent visa issuance and reentry to the United States. Travel restrictions only apply to individuals who were outside the U.S. on the effective date of Jan. 1, 2026, and did not hold a valid visa on the effective date. Still, any foreign national of these countries or who hold Palestinian Authority travel documents may experience processing delays.

Additionally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) paused certain immigration benefit requests for foreign nationals of the 39 identified “high-risk” countries, which may delay a foreign national’s ability to obtain petition approval, where needed, in advance of visa processing. Further, the State Department paused all immigrant visa issuance to nationals of 75 countries. While most employment-based green cards are issued in the United States, a recent policy memo issued by USCIS could potentially push some of these applicants to apply overseas.

Foreign national employees from the affected countries should consult with their legal counsel before traveling abroad, especially if their visa is expired or will expire prior to reentering the U.S., or if they are planning to renew their visa while outside the U.S.

Visa interviews and processing delays

Due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, several U.S. embassies and consulates continue to operate with limited or no services. The State Department has not designated alternative visa processing locations, and exceptions to the requirement that applicants apply for a visa in their country of nationality or residence are likely to be granted sparingly during the busy summer travel season.

In addition to increased visa demand during the summer months — which impacts appointment availability and may create processing delays — the FIFA World Cup 2026 is taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, creating additional global demand for visas. Read on for more World Cup-related travel information.

Further, Indian nationals and residents applying for H-1B and H-4 visas in India are experiencing significant delays due to online presence vetting policies. Interviews have been pushed out to 2027, and no new appointments are regularly available.

Reminder: All visa applicants — including infants and the elderly — must appear for an in-person interview and can no longer have their interview waived, except in limited cases for certain diplomatic, B-1/B-2 and H-2 visa applicants. Appointments for larger families may be limited, so it is important to plan ahead.

Foreign nationals should keep processing times in mind before booking trips and ensure their travel plans are flexible to accommodate delays.

Track the latest global visa wait times here.

Enhanced screening and vetting

Since early 2025, enhanced screening and vetting requirements are in place requiring government agencies to vet and screen foreign nationals “to the maximum degree possible.” Applicants who are traveling abroad for consular processing may face delays and be subject to additional administrative processing.

As of March 2026, the State Department expanded the requirement for “online presence review” to include certain nonimmigrant visa classifications. If a foreign national applies for a visa in an affected visa category, they will be required to set their social media profiles to “public” for screening.

The following visa categories now require social media vetting: A-3, C-3 (if a domestic worker), G-5, H-3, H-4 dependents of H-3, K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, U, H-1B, H-4, F, M and J. Processing times vary globally and can take a few days or several weeks.

Applicants should review embassy- and consulate-specific guidance in advance of attending an interview to ensure they have all required documentation at the time of their visa interview.

The summer of soccer: FIFA World Cup travel

Millions of fans are expected to travel to North America this summer for the FIFA World Cup 2026. While teams are set to play several games in the U.S., foreign nationals may opt to travel to Canada or Mexico for a match. It is important for travelers to be aware of each country’s entry requirements before making travel plans. Delays at ports of entry in the U.S., Canada and Mexico should be expected in June and July.

On May 13, 2026, the State Department published a visa bond program update stating that “the Administration will waive the visa bond requirement for certain individuals traveling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a centralized resource hub with travel guidance, entry requirements and planning tools for individuals traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup. Similarly, the governments of Canada and Mexico offer information hubs for international travelers hoping to cheer on their favorite teams this summer.

Travel tips every foreign national should know

To avoid critical mishaps, foreign national employees should consider these essential travel tips before leaving the country.

• Check the validity dates of your visa, passport and underlying status early: If your passport or visa is about to expire, you can account for renewal processing times and possible delays. Remember, as a general rule, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date to the U.S.
• Secure appointments before finalizing travel plans: Visa interview appointments may be limited for some visa categories and in certain regions. Expect additional delays in the summertime as embassies and consulates may experience higher volume than normal.
• Prepare for screening and vetting at ports of entry: CBP officers will question you about your purpose of travel when returning to the U.S. and may conduct searches of personal belongings and electronic devices. Have all required documents readily available to provide to the officer. Answer questions clearly and follow the CBP officer’s instructions. Additionally, be sure not to bring any prohibited items with you from your trip and declare any restricted items such as certain fruits and vegetables.

Prepare your business and employees for busy travel periods

With summer travel plans already taking flight, your foreign national employees are likely to have questions about requirements for traveling abroad. Staying abreast of policy changes that may impact travel is essential to ensure your foreign national employees comply with immigration requirements, avoid delays and have a worry-free trip.

BAL’s immigration and consular services experts support organizations during busy travel periods — connect with our team to receive strategic travel guidance for your global workforce.

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