Note: This update is informational only. The article summarizes publicly announced government actions and does not provide legal or immigration advice.
On December 16, 2025, the U.S. government announced expanded country-specific entry restrictions that will affect visa issuance and admission to the United States from January 1, 2026. These restrictions are based on updated national security, vetting, and information-sharing assessments and build on earlier country designations made in June.
This article provides a factual overview of these developments, how they are structured, and how they relate to one another based on publicly available information.
Key Takeaways
- The new restrictions apply to visa issuance and entry, not to routine immigration benefits filed inside the United States.
- Impact varies based on nationality, visa category, location of the individual, and whether new visa issuance is required.
- Individuals already in the United States who do not require international travel are generally less exposed to immediate disruption.
- Planning should focus on consular processing risk after January 1, 2026.
The Presidential Proclamation issued on December 16, 2025
The proclamation expands and refines country-based entry restrictions. As of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on January 1, 2026:
- Certain countries are subject to full suspension of entry for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, subject to defined exceptions and discretionary waivers.
- Additional countries are subject to partial suspension, primarily affecting immigrant visas and nonimmigrant B, F, M, and J categories.
- Lawful permanent residents, individuals holding valid visas issued before the effective date, and specific diplomatic and other categories remain expressly exempt, subject to inspection at entry.
| Restriction Type | Countries | Practical Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Full Suspension of Entry | Afghanistan; Burma (Myanmar); Chad; Republic of the Congo; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Haiti; Iran; Libya; Somalia; Sudan; Yemen; Burkina Faso; Laos; Mali; Niger; Sierra Leone; South Sudan; Syria | Entry to the United States is suspended for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories unless an enumerated exception or discretionary waiver applies. |
| Partial Suspension of Entry | Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Benin; Burundi; Cuba; Côte d’Ivoire; Dominica; Gabon; The Gambia; Malawi; Mauritania; Nigeria; Senegal; Tanzania; Tonga; Togo; Venezuela; Zambia; Zimbabwe | Entry is suspended for immigrant visas and for nonimmigrant B, F, M, and J visa categories. Other nonimmigrant categories may be issued with limited validity, subject to consular discretion. |
| Document-Based Suspension | Palestinian Authority–issued or endorsed travel documents | Entry is categorically suspended for individuals seeking admission using these travel documents. |
| Country-Specific Modification | Turkmenistan | Restrictions on nonimmigrant B, F, M, and J visas are lifted; immigrant visa issuance remains suspended. |
These restrictions are implemented by the Department of State and DHS at consulates and ports of entry. They do not independently terminate lawful status inside the United States.
Practical Impact by Situation
Short-Term Travel and Business Visits
Operational impact is most likely to arise where an individual requires new visa issuance or visa reissuance abroad on or after January 1, 2026. Visa issuance timelines and outcomes may differ from prior practice for nationals of affected countries.
International Assignments and Longer-Term Planning
Programs involving student, exchange, or visitor visa categories may be affected where consular processing outside the United States is required.
Individuals Already in the United States
The Proclamation is structured as an entry limitation, not a status termination measure. Individuals lawfully present in the United States may continue eligible immigration processing unless international travel necessitates visa issuance abroad.
Related USCIS Processing Note
On December 2, 2025, USCIS issued internal guidance placing certain asylum and benefit adjudications under additional review for nationals of 19 previously identified high-risk countries. This guidance applies to specific in-country adjudications and is separate from the January 1, 2026, entry restrictions. The expanded country list announced on December 16, 2025, is not automatically included in that USCIS guidance absent further agency action. This USCIS measure does not change who may enter the United States and should not be conflated with the new entry restrictions.
Planning Considerations for 2026
From an informational and planning perspective, organizations may wish to focus on:
- Identifying employees who require visa issuance after January 1, 2026.
- Reviewing upcoming travel and assignment timelines for nationals of affected countries.
- Distinguishing between entry-related considerations and in-country immigration processing, which remain governed by different agencies and authorities.
This document is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Please contact us to arrange a consultation with an attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.
