The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is right around the corner, and excitement is building fast. But there’s something that international poker players should be aware of—new U.S. travel rules under former President Donald Trump’s administration may impact their plans to play in Las Vegas this summer.
Let’s break down what’s happening and what it means for poker players from outside the United States.
What Is Executive Order 14159?
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14159. This order is called “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” Sounds intense, right? But here’s what it means in simpler terms:
If you’re a foreign national—someone not from the U.S.—and you’re planning to stay in the country for 30 days or more, you’ll have to:
- Register with U.S. immigration authorities
- Get fingerprinted
This is based on an older law (Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act), but Trump’s order brings it back into play. If you don’t follow these steps, you could face serious consequences, including being asked to leave the country.
For poker players planning a longer stay in Las Vegas for WSOP, this is a must-know rule.
Further Read The 2025 WSOP Schedule: A New Era Begins
What Do You Need to Do?
If you’re playing in several events at the WSOP and staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days, you need to fill out a form called Form G-2354R (Biographic Information).
You can submit it through the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) website.
The process is not complicated, but don’t leave it for the last minute. Start early, especially if you’re planning to arrive a few weeks before the series begins.
Is There a Travel Ban Too?
There’s also been a leaked draft from the Trump administration suggesting a possible travel ban on 43 countries. These countries are split into three zones:
- Red Zone: Countries whose citizens could be completely banned from entering the U.S.
- Orange & Yellow Zones: Travelers from these countries might face tougher visa checks and more background screening.
But here’s the good news: as of April 1, 2025, this travel ban hasn’t been put into effect. It’s currently on hold as the State Department reviews it.
Still, it’s wise for players from outside the U.S. to keep an eye on official news in case anything changes suddenly.
What This Means for the WSOP and the Poker World
These new rules could make things harder for international players who want to compete in the WSOP. And fewer international entries could mean:
- Smaller fields in tournaments
- Less diversity at the tables
- A hit to the exciting, global vibe that WSOP is famous for
The tourism industry is already seeing a slowdown. Reports say U.S. tourism could drop by 9.4% this year. In Canada alone, travel to the U.S. is expected to fall by 20%, costing billions in lost revenue.
The poker world could feel this too, especially if regulars from Europe, Asia, and South America decide it’s not worth the risk or hassle.
What Should You Do as a Poker Player?
If you’re traveling from outside the U.S. to play in the WSOP, here are some simple steps you can take:
✅ Check your travel eligibility: Visit official U.S. government sites and make sure your country isn’t on a restricted list.
✅ Plan your stay wisely: If you’re staying more than 30 days, register and complete your biometric info early.
✅ Get legal help if needed: If you’re unsure about your visa or how to fill out the forms, speak to an immigration lawyer. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
✅ Stay updated: Policies can change quickly. Follow poker news sites (like BetterPokerNews) and official immigration channels for any breaking developments.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 WSOP is still going to be one of the biggest poker festivals of the year. But if you’re planning to travel from outside the U.S., you’ll need to take extra steps to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Poker is a global game. Let’s keep it that way by being prepared, informed, and ready to shuffle up and deal—no matter where we come from.