Visa Lawyer Blog
The U.S. government has issued a revised travel ban that takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on January 1, 2026, significantly expanding restrictions on visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries and individuals travelling with Palestinian Authority–issued travel documents.
Under the new presidential proclamation, immigrant and nonimmigrant visas are fully suspended for nationals of 19 countries, which now include seven newly added nations. An additional 19 countries face partial restrictions — limiting immigrant visas and certain nonimmigrant categories (e.g., B, F, M, J visas). One country, Turkmenistan, now faces only immigrant visa restrictions.
Importantly, the ban does not revoke existing visas or apply to foreign nationals already in the United States on January 1, 2026, with valid visas. Other exceptions include U.S. lawful permanent residents, dual nationals travelling on a non-designated passport, certain diplomats, and athletes travelling for major events.
This expanded travel ban marks one of the most sweeping visa restrictions in recent U.S. policy, with potential impacts on U.S. employers, and visa holders.
What are the countries subject to full restrictions
The proclamation adds seven countries to the existing 12 countries whose nationals are barred from both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance. The initial 12 countries with continued full visa restrictions are:
- Afghanistan
- Burma
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
The proclamation adds the following seven countries to the full restriction list:
- Burkina Faso
- Laos (previously on the June travel ban “partially restricted” list)
- Mali
- Niger
- Sierra Leone (previously on the June travel ban “partially restricted” list)
- South Sudan
- Syria