The U.S. government has announced new and expanded country-based entry restrictions that will take effect on January 1, 2026. These changes impact certain foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, depending on their country of nationality or travel documentation.
Below is a breakdown of what is changing, who is affected, and who is not.
Who Do These Restrictions Apply To?
These restrictions apply only to individuals who meet both of the following conditions:
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They are outside the United States on January 1, 2026, and
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They do not have a valid U.S. visa on that date.
Individuals who are already inside the U.S. or who hold a valid visa as of January 1, 2026 are generally not subject to these new restrictions, though travel should always be reviewed carefully with an immigration attorney.
Fully Restricted Countries
(All immigrant and nonimmigrant visas suspended)
Nationals of the following countries are subject to full suspension of entry for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas:
Continued restrictions:
Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen
Newly added countries:
Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria
Full Restriction Based on Travel Document
In addition to nationality-based restrictions, a document-based restriction has been implemented:
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Any traveler using a Palestinian Authority–issued or endorsed travel document is subject to a full restriction on entry.
This restriction is based on the travel document itself and may apply regardless of the traveler’s nationality.
Partially Restricted Countries
(Restrictions depend on visa type)
Continued or Modified Partial Restrictions
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Burundi
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Cuba
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Togo
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Venezuela
Turkmenistan:
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Immigrant visas remain suspended
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Most nonimmigrant visa suspensions have been lifted
New Partial Restrictions
The following countries are newly subject to partial entry restrictions:
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe
For nationals of these countries:
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Immigrant visas are suspended
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The following nonimmigrant visas are suspended:
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B-1 (Business Visitor)
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B-2 (Tourist Visitor)
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B-1/B-2
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F (Student)
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M (Vocational Student)
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J (Exchange Visitor)
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Other nonimmigrant visas may still be issued but may be limited to shortened validity periods
Why This Matters for Travelers and Families
These restrictions can significantly affect:
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Individuals planning to apply for new visas
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Families waiting for immigrant visa processing abroad
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Students, tourists, and exchange visitors
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Employers and organizations sponsoring foreign nationals
Because the rules depend on location, visa status, country of nationality, and document type, the impact is highly case-specific.
Talk to an Immigration Attorney Before Traveling
If you or a family member may be affected by these changes, do not make travel or visa decisions without legal guidance. A qualified immigration attorney can review your situation and help you understand your options under the new rules.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.