A new federal proclamation has significantly expanded travel restrictions to 39 countries and individuals using Palestinian Authority travel documents. These measures impact visa issuance and U.S. entry for students and scholars.
- Effective Date: January 1, 2026 (Active at 7:01 p.m. HST, Dec 31).
- Who is affected? Citizens of newly added nations (including Nigeria, Syria, Mali, Senegal, and others) and those with expired visas.
- For students from affected countries: If you are currently outside the U.S. with a valid U.S. visa, ISS recommends that you re-enter before that visa expires. If you were planning to depart the U.S. to apply for a new visa, ISS recommends that you do not travel.