U.S. Entry Restrictions 2026: Visa Issuance Suspended for 39 Countries
U.S. Entry Restrictions 2026: Visa Issuance Suspended for 39 Countries
The U.S. Department of State has announced major visa restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.”
Effective January 1, 2026 (12:01 a.m. EST), the United States has fully or partially suspended visa issuance and entry for nationals of 39 countries, as well as individuals applying using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.
This action expands and modifies earlier restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10949.
The purpose of the proclamation is to strengthen national security through enhanced screening and vetting procedures.
Countries Facing Full Visa Suspension (All Visa Categories)
Visa issuance is fully suspended (both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas) for nationals of:
Afghanistan
Burma (Myanmar)
Burkina Faso
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Laos
Libya
Mali
Niger
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Yemen
The suspension also applies to individuals traveling on documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.
Countries Facing Partial Visa Suspension
Visa issuance is partially suspended for nationals of:
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Benin
Burundi
Côte d’Ivoire
Cuba
Dominica
Gabon
The Gambia
Malawi
Mauritania
Nigeria
Senegal
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Venezuela
Zambia
Zimbabwe
For these countries, the suspension applies to:
- B-1/B-2 visitor visas
- F, M, and J student and exchange visas
- All immigrant visas
Turkmenistan – Limited Suspension
Nationals of Turkmenistan are subject to a partial suspension affecting all immigrant visas only.
Who Is Exempt from the Suspension?
Limited exceptions apply to:
- Certain diplomatic and official visa holders
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
- Dual nationals applying with a passport not subject to suspension
- Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(D)
- Participants in major international sporting events
- Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran
Additionally, U.S. authorities may grant National Interest Exceptions on a case-by-case basis. The Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, or Attorney General may approve travel if it serves a critical U.S. national interest.
Children being adopted by U.S. citizens may also qualify for exceptions and should continue the standard adoption process.
Important Changes Under Presidential Proclamation 10998
Certain exemptions previously allowed under Presidential Proclamation 10949 are no longer available, including:
- Immediate family immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5)
- Adoption visas (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4)
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visas
Who Is Not Affected?
Presidential Proclamation 10998 applies only to foreign nationals who:
- Are outside the United States as of January 1, 2026
- Do NOT hold a valid visa as of that date
If you already held a valid U.S. visa before January 1, 2026, your visa has not been revoked under this proclamation.
Applicants may still submit visa applications and attend interviews, but issuance may be denied if subject to the suspension.
For the latest updates on U.S. visa restrictions, applicants should regularly review official government announcements and consult qualified immigration professionals before making travel plans.