“`html
sweeping Visa restrictions Imposed on Nationals from 39 Countries Starting January 2026
The United States is set to considerably restrict visa issuance adn entry for nationals of 39 countries, along with individuals with travel documents from the Palestinian authority, beginning january 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.Eastern Standard Time. The measures,outlined in Presidential Proclamation 10998,build upon existing restrictions and aim to bolster national security through enhanced screening procedures.
New Restrictions Expand Existing Policy
The new proclamation expands upon previous limitations established by Presidential Proclamation 10949, continuing and augmenting the suspension of entry for citizens of 19 countries. According to a senior official, the goal is to “protect our nation and its citizens by using rigorous, security-focused screening and vetting procedures.” The governance asserts these measures are necessary to ensure individuals approved for visas do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Full visa Suspension for seven Countries
The following countries will face a full suspension of visa issuance: Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, and Yemen. However, exceptions will be made for:
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents
- Individuals traveling on diplomatic or official visas
- Individuals admitted to the U.S.on or before the effective date
- Individuals with valid visas as of the effective date
- Individuals traveling for urgent humanitarian reasons
- Individuals whose entry is in the U.S. national interest (as steadfast by the Secretary of State or Secretary of Homeland Security)
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents
- Special Immigrant Visa (SIVs) for U.S. government employees
- Participants in certain major sporting events
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
Partial Visa Suspension for Additional Countries
In addition to the full suspension, visa issuance will be partially suspended for nationals of 19 other countries – Angola, Antigua and barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, zambia, and Zimbabwe. This partial suspension will specifically impact nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as all immigrant visas. The same exceptions listed above will apply.
Turkmenistan Faces Limited Restrictions
As of January 1, 2026, the Department of State will also partially suspend visa issuance to nationals of Turkmenistan for all immigrant visas, with the same exceptions as outlined previously.
Changes to Existing Exceptions
Presidential Proclamation 10998 also eliminates certain exceptions previously available under Proclamation 10949. Specifically, immediate family immigrant visas, adoption visas, and Afghan Special Immigrant Visas will no longer be granted to nationals subject to the suspension.
Discretionary Waivers Remain Possible
Despite the broad restrictions, the proclamation allows for discretionary waivers.The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, can determine that an individual’s travel serves the U.S. national interest on a case-by-case basis. Similar authority is granted to the Secretary of homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, and the Attorney General, in coordination with both Secretaries.
Existing Visas Unaffected, Applications Still Accepted
Crucially, the proclamation applies onyl to foreign nationals outside the United States who do not possess a valid visa as of January 1, 2026. According to the official statement, “Foreign nationals, even those outside the United States, who hold valid visas as of the effective date are not subject to presidential Proclamation 10998.” No previously issued visas will be revoked. Visa applicants subject to the proclamation may still submit applications and schedule interviews,but their eligibility for issuance or admission remains uncertain.
Further details regarding Presidential Proclamation 10998 can be found here. Facts about Presidential Proclamation 10949 is available Related
