Navigating the 2025 Holiday Season: Essential Travel Guidelines for Foreign Nationals and Expats

The 2025 holiday season is rapidly approaching, and for foreign nationals and expatriates planning international travel, preparation is more critical than ever. With evolving immigration policies, peak travel volumes, and complex documentation requirements, early planning can mean the difference between a smooth journey home and holiday travel chaos.  Add to that the current situation in the U.S. where the government shutdown has now led to a mandate starting tomorrow morning (Friday, Nov 7) for airlines to cut traffic by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports. Thousands of daily cancellations could follow. 

The Current Travel Landscape

The call to cut back on flights comes amid rising strain in the aviation sector: Controllers and critical aviation staff have gone more than a month without full pay, and callouts are climbing. Which flights will go? According to TPG, it is not yet clear which routes or flights would be most affected by the flight reductions. But some major airlines have said they will be proactively reaching out to passengers with those details. Here is their advice:

• Check your email, airline’s app or mobile alerts for flight changes.
• Have a plan B. If you can postpone your trip, or get there by car or train, it’s worth considering those options.
• Get TSA PreCheck and/or Clear now — it isn’t a guarantee if lines get really long, but it may help.
• Book flights with a card that gives you some built-in travel insurance protections.
• If you’re flying over the upcoming holiday surge, prioritize nonstop routes or allow for long layovers, since it remains unknown which flights will be cut back.

Remember: If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, you’re eligible for a refund under U.S. Department of Transportation rules.

The Current Immigration Landscape

As you monitor flights and airlines, there were additional areas to be aware of even before all of today's travel news, starting with immigration. Before booking any travel, foreign nationals must understand the heightened scrutiny at U.S. consulates and ports of entry. Immigration policies have become increasingly strict, with enhanced screening procedures that can significantly impact visa applicants and travelers. Anyone requiring a new visa or who has had any interaction with law enforcement should consult with immigration counsel before finalizing travel arrangements. This consultation isn't just recommended—it's essential to avoid potential complications that could derail your holiday plans.

Documentation: Your First Line of Defense

The foundation of successful holiday travel starts with proper documentation. Verify that your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your planned return date, as this is a standard requirement for many countries. But passport validity is just the beginning. You must also confirm visa requirements not only for your destination country but for any transit countries along your route. During the busy holiday season, visa processing times can extend significantly, so apply well in advance.

Most critically, confirm your re-entry requirements for your country of residence or employment. If you're awaiting any changes to your immigration status, such as permanent residence approval, do not travel without first consulting immigration legal counsel. Make both physical and digital copies of all essential documents—passport, visa, insurance policies, itineraries, and prescriptions—and store them separately from the originals. Leave an additional copy with a trusted contact back home.

Book Early and Stay Informed

Timing matters enormously during the holiday season. According to recent travel data, the optimal booking window for Christmas flights extends from now through mid-November, with prices climbing steadily as the holidays approach. Thanksgiving flight deals have already passed their peak, making immediate booking essential for those still finalizing plans. Remember that holiday travel isn't just about finding available flights—it's about securing reasonable prices and suitable schedules before options disappear.

Weather-related disruptions are inevitable during winter travel. Stay informed about weather conditions at both your departure and arrival cities, as sudden snowstorms or technology outages can derail even the most carefully planned itineraries. Having real-time information allows you to pivot quickly, whether that means arriving at the airport earlier than planned, rescheduling a flight to avoid a storm, or identifying alternative routing options before they sell out.

Financial and Health Preparations

Notify your banks and credit card companies about your travel dates and destinations to prevent security holds on your accounts—the last thing you need is a frozen card while navigating airport shops or foreign cities. Research local currency and exchange rates, and carry a mix of cash and cards for maximum flexibility.

Health preparation deserves special attention for international travelers. Most domestic health insurance plans, including U.S. Medicare and Medicaid, provide no coverage outside their home country. Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical emergencies and, crucially, emergency medical evacuation. Schedule a health check-up before departure, refill all prescriptions with enough medication for your entire trip plus extra for potential delays, and verify that your medications are legal in your destination country. Check vaccination requirements well in advance, as some immunizations require multiple doses administered over several weeks.

Managing the Journey and Your Well-being

Build buffer time into your itinerary to accommodate the inevitable delays that accompany holiday travel. Airports and customs checkpoints will be crowded, so patience and flexibility will serve you better than rigid scheduling. U.S. expats should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety alerts and ensure embassy assistance is available if needed.

Homesickness intensifies during the holidays, especially for those far from family. Plan virtual celebrations with loved ones back home, or create new traditions by participating in local festivities or hosting gatherings with other expats and local friends. Research local customs, etiquette, and laws to navigate your destination respectfully, and keep emergency contact information readily accessible throughout your journey.

The Bottom Line

Successfully navigating holiday travel as a foreign national or expat requires meticulous planning, comprehensive documentation, and realistic expectations about the complexities ahead. Start your preparations now—your future self, standing in that airport or crossing that border, will thank you for the effort invested today.