America is starting to implement a brand new set of visa issuance procedures access restrictions underneath Presidential Proclamation 10998increasing a earlier coverage from June 2025.
The US State Division says the measures droop, in complete or partly, the issuance and entry of visas for nationals of 39 nationsand in addition relevant to individuals utilizing journey paperwork issued or permitted by the Palestinian Authority.
The federal government describes the restrictions as security-oriented – concentrating on nations it says have severe gaps in id administration, data sharing and vetting, along with considerations comparable to overstays and failure to cooperate with removals.
What modified at 12:01 a.m. ET on January 1
The important thing operational level for vacationers is that the proclamation is meant to exert affect future visa issuance and eligibility for entryto not cancel visas en masse retroactively. The Ministry of Overseas Affairs is specific: “No visas have been issued or will likely be revoked earlier than January 1, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. EST.”
Equally essential is the scope set off. The Ministry of Overseas Affairs says the proclamation Applies to overseas nationals who’re exterior america on the Efficient Date and wouldn’t have a sound visa on the Efficient Date.
Who is totally blocked: 19 nations plus Palestinian Authority journey paperwork
Below the implementation tips of the Ministry of Overseas Affairs, full suspension of visa issuance applies to nationals of 19 nations—Afghanistan, Burma, Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen– and for individuals who journey additional all journey paperwork issued or permitted by the Palestinian Authority. The suspension applies to those that are coated all immigrant and non-immigrant visa classestopic to restricted exceptions.
CRS (Congressional Analysis Service) describes this as “full suspension”, which means it’s locked each immigrants and non-immigrants from the nations talked about (once more with exceptions and exemptions).
Who’s partially restricted: customer, pupil, alternate and immigrant visas
The State Division additionally outlines one partial suspension for nationals of 19 nations—Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In these circumstances, the US suspends the issuance of B-1/B-2 customer visas (enterprise/tourism), F and M pupil visas, J alternate customer visasAnd all immigrant visasonce more with restricted exceptions.
Turkmenistan is a particular case. That is said by the Ministry of Overseas Affairs from January 1, 2026it’s partial suspension of visa issuance to nationals of Turkmenistan for all immigrant visas (however not the identical sweeping non-immigrant classes described above).
Exceptions, waivers and what has modified from the June 2025 coverage
Within the proclamations there are categorical exceptions lawful everlasting residents, twin nationality touring with a passport from a non-designated nationDefinitely diplomatic/official visas, individuals in main sporting occasionsand certain Particular immigrant visas tied to U.S. authorities employment.
There may be additionally one nationwide curiosity on a case-by-case foundation Journey: The Division of State notes that the Secretary of State (or designee), in coordination with DHS, might decide that a person’s journey serves the nationwide pursuits of the U.S.; parallel authority is described for DHS and DOJ in sure circumstances.
Probably the most important adjustments for households is what the State Division says now not accessible underneath the brand new proclamation: categorical exceptions beforehand coated immigrant visas for quick households, adoption visasAnd Afghan particular immigrant visas.
Frequent misconceptions that vacationers ought to appropriate instantly
False impression 1: “My present US visa will turn into invalid on January 1.”
Not mechanically. The Division of State says legitimate visas issued earlier than the efficient date are legitimate not repealed underneath the proclamation.
False impression 2: “If I come from a ‘partial suspension’ nation, all journey to the US is prohibited.”
Partial suspension is principally particular to the visa kind B, F, M, J and immigrant visas – whereas different non-immigrant classes should still be attainable, typically with lowered validity, relying on consular observe and authorized limits.
False impression 3: “Once I’m within the US, it does not trouble me.”
The sharp edge is the re-entry logistics. In the event you depart america and later a new visa issuance (as a result of your visa expires or it’s essential to re-stamp), it’s possible you’ll face the brand new restrictions relying in your nationality, visa class and whether or not you qualify for an exception or waiver.
Sensible subsequent steps for vacationers, college students and households
First decide which bucket applies: full suspension, partial suspensionor Partial suspension of immigrant visas in Turkmenistan– and whether or not you would possibly qualify as twin citizenship utilizing an undesignated passport or as a LPR.
Secondly, if you have already got a sound visa, examine its validity dates and plan journey itineraries accordingly. The State Division notes that affected candidates can nonetheless submit purposes and schedule interviews, however could be discovered will not be eligible for issuance or admission.
Lastly, in case your state of affairs is time-sensitive (comparable to faculty begin date, weddings, or pressing household issues), doc your info early to keep away from any issues. nationwide curiosity or discretionary waiver requests and monitor updates from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, which frequently publish sensible FAQs tailor-made to native candidates.