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UNITED STATES: US Department of State Announces New Travel Restrictions
September 27, 2017
On 24th September 2017, just as the previous travel ban was due to expire, the US President issued a Proclamation indefinitely imposing various new restrictions on immigrant and non-immigrant entry for certain nationals of five of the countries affected by the previous travel ban (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen) and three additional non-Muslim majority countries (Chad, North Korea and Venezuela).
See also the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security.
Note that travel restrictions have been removed from Sudanese nationals. The latest travel restrictions do not affect refugees.
When does this take effect?
The new order has taken effect immediately for nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen who cannot show “a credible claim to a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States”.
For nationals of those five countries who do have a credible claim to a bona fide relationship with a person or entity on the United States, and for nationals of Chad, North Korea and Venezuela, the new restrictions will take effect on 18th October 2017.
Who is affected?
| Nationality | Restrictions |
| Chad | Non-immigrant B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visas and immigrant visas are suspended. |
| Iran | Immigrant and non-immigrant visas are suspended, except for applicants for and holders of valid student (F and M) and exchange visitor (J) visas. Individuals applying for or possessing these visas will be subject to enhanced screening and vetting. |
| Libya | Non-immigrant B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visas and immigrant visas are suspended. |
| North Korea | All non-immigrant and immigrant visas are suspended. |
| Somalia | All immigrant visas are suspended. Applicants for non-immigrant visas will be subject to enhanced screening and vetting. |
| Syria | All non-immigrant and immigrant visas are suspended. |
| Venezuela | Non-immigrant (B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2) visas for certain Venezuelan government officials and their immediate family members are suspended. Venezuelan visa applicants and current visa holders will be subject to enhanced screening and vetting |
| Yemen | Non-immigrant B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visas and immigrant visas are suspended. |
Exceptions
The new order does not apply to:
- Nationals of the applicable countries who are already in the US;
- Valid visa holders;
- Lawful permanent residents (LPR); or
- Dual nationals travelling under the passport of the non-designated country.
Our Advice
Nationals of the eight affected countries who intend to apply for visas at US consulates and/or who intend to travel to the US are advised to consult their Newland Chase immigration specialist.
For advice and information on US immigration in general, please email us at [email protected].
