US Travel Ban Expansion Under Consideration: What Travelers Need to Know

Published on December 5, 2025

US government officials are mulling over the idea of extending the list of countries that are under the travel ban. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has conveyed that the government is looking into as many as 32 countries, and some news pieces are telling that it might even be 36. Such a growth of the list would prohibit people from these countries, among them tourists, students, people traveling for business, and immigrants. The action, if taken, would be the Trump administration-era travel ban that has been the basis of the policy of restriction since ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌2017.

Guide for Travelers:
Travelers planning to visit the U.S. should stay updated on any changes to the travel ban by monitoring government websites, particularly the U.S. Department of State’s official site for visa and entry restrictions.

Davidson Hospitality Targets Growth in Europe and UK

Davidson Hospitality, a major U.S. hotel operator, is shifting its focus to expand into the UK and Europe. After a year of ownership changes, the company plans to enter new markets and form strategic partnerships across these regions. Davidson has recently acquired its first U.K. property, the 93-room Ragdale Hall Spa in England, marking the company’s first international foray in recent years. The move comes after the company shelved its European expansion plans due to market uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guide for Travelers:
For travelers heading to the U.K., Davidson’s Ragdale Hall Spa in Leicester offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of England. Those planning stays in new Davidson hotels across Europe should watch for future announcements regarding openings.

Marriott Expands into the Democratic Republic of Congo

Marriott International has expanded its global footprint by opening its first hotels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking its entry into the 145th country. In Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, Marriott launched two new properties: the 134-room Four Points by Sheraton Kinshasa and the 88-room Protea Hotel by Marriott Kinshasa. These hotels will be managed by SARV Management LLC, and local firm SAMAY Hospitality SARL owns them. Marriott’s expansion plans for Africa are significant, with 50 new hotels expected to open by 2027.

Guide for Travelers:
Travelers to the Democratic Republic of Congo can now enjoy international hotel standards at Marriott’s new properties in Kinshasa. The Four Points by Sheraton and Protea hotels provide modern amenities and are ideally located for those conducting business or exploring the city’s cultural and diplomatic attractions.

ITC Hotels Faces Stake Sale by Second-Largest Shareholder

British American Tobacco has reduced its stake in India’s ITC Hotels, selling off shares worth approximately $422 million. The sale, which brings its ownership down from 15.3% to 6.3%, marks a shift in the company’s strategic focus. ITC Hotels, a division of the Kolkata-based conglomerate ITC, has been listed independently since mid-2024. This move affects the brand’s association with third-party hotel ownership groups, including those managing the prestigious Oberoi and Leela hotel chains.

Guide for Travelers:
Travelers visiting India can continue to expect top-tier hospitality from ITC Hotels, despite the changes in ownership. For those seeking luxury stays in India, ITC Hotels remains a key player in the high-end market, with numerous properties across the country offering world-class service and amenities.

Edinburgh Airport Flight Disruptions Due to IT Issues

Edinburgh Airport experienced significant disruptions due to an IT failure, halting all flights for several hours earlier today. Service resumed later in the morning, but the issue caused delays, including a flight from New York being diverted to Dublin. The airport, serving millions of passengers annually, experienced disruptions until the issue with air traffic control was resolved around 11 a.m. GMT.

Guide for Travelers:
Travelers flying in or out of Edinburgh should check with their airlines for flight status updates and potential delays. Always monitor the official Edinburgh Airport website for real-time information on operational status, especially during peak travel times.

Conclusion

Today’s​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ headlines feature significant changes in the international travel and hospitality sectors. A notable traveler restriction move by U.S. politicians, Marriott’s new venture in the Congolese market, Davidson Hospitality’s expansion plans in Europe, Edinburgh Airport’s IT issue causing flight disruptions, and a major shareholder in ITC Hotels reducing the stake are among the topics covered by the news this morning.

As the travel bans are being modified and luxury hotel brands are growing their networks worldwide, passengers have to be aware of potential changes to their trips. It is highly recommended to always refer to government official websites and airline notifications to have a hassle-free ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌journey.