Travel Bans

Expansion of U.S. Travel and Visa Restrictions (Effective Jan 1, 2026)

Effective Date: 12:01 a.m. EST, January 1, 2026, Local Hawai?i Time: 7:01 p.m. HST, December 31, 2025

On December 16, 2025, a new Presidential Proclamation was issued that significantly expands U.S. travel restrictions to 39 countries and individuals with Palestinian Authority travel documents. These measures impact visa issuance and U.S. entry for students (F), exchange visitors (J), and their dependents (F-2/J-2). As outlined in the Presidential Proclamation, the suspension of entry to the U.S. is applicable only to nationals of the listed countries who:

  1. are outside the U.S. on January 01, 2026 12:01 am eastern standard time, and
  2. do not have a valid visa on January 01, 2026 12:01 am eastern standard time

Affected Country Lists

  • Full Entry Ban - Entry is suspended for all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders (including F and J).
    • Newly Added: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone.
    • Special Designation: Palestinian Authority travel documents.
    • Original List (Still in Effect): Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
  • Partial Entry Restrictions - Entry is suspended for those seeking B, F, M, and J visas. Other visa types may face reduced validity (e.g., single-entry visas).
    • Newly Added: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
    • Original List (Still in Effect): Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela.
    • Note: Turkmenistan's nonimmigrant restrictions have been lifted; however, immigrant visa bans remain.

Critical Technical Warnings

  • Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) Suspended: If you are a national of an affected country, you are likely ineligible for AVR. Do not travel to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands with an expired visa expecting to re-enter the U.S.
  • Dependents (F-2/J-2): These restrictions apply equally to your dependents. Ensure their documents are reviewed alongside yours.
  • Reduced Visa Validity: For Partial Ban countries, even if a visa is granted (e.g., for H-1B), the State Department has been directed to issue them for the shortest duration possible.

The Safest Option: Stay in the U.S.

The most secure way to maintain your status is to remain physically present in the U.S. If you are currently in the U.S. and your visa has expired, do not travel abroad, as you will likely be unable to renew your visa to return.

If You Are Currently Abroad

We strongly recommend that you return to the U.S. before 7:01 p.m. HST on December 31, 2025. Re-entering before the effective date minimizes the risk of enhanced screening, secondary inspection, or entry denial at the airport.

Consult with ISS

Because these regulations are complex, we recommend with an ISS Advisor for personalized guidance.

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Resources

  • : Detailed summary of the new countries and security rationales.
  • : The official legal text.
  • : Professional analysis for the international education community.

Legal Disclaimer

This webpage offers general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to sudden change. Students and scholars with specific immigration status concerns or complex travel histories should consult with an experienced immigration attorney.

 

 

Travel Ban/ Restrictions (Effective June 9, 2025)

On Wednesday, June 4, a Presidential Proclamation was issued announcing new restrictions on the entry of certain foreign nationals into the U.S. These travel restrictions take effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

This proclamation primarily impacts nationals of the designated countries who are currently outside the U.S. and do not have a valid visa on the effective date.

Full Ban Countries Entry for immigrants and nonimmigrants is fully suspended for nationals of the following countries:

  • Afghanistan ? Burma (Myanmar) ? Chad ? Republic of the Congo ? Equatorial Guinea ? Eritrea ? Haiti ? Iran ? Libya ? Somalia ? Sudan ? Yemen

Partial Ban Countries Entry is suspended for immigrants and nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas for nationals of the following countries:

  • Burundi ? Cuba ? Laos ? Sierra Leone ? Togo ? Turkmenistan ? Venezuela

Who is likely not affected? You are likely not affected by this proclamation if you are:

  • Inside the U.S. on June 9, 2025.
  • Outside the U.S. but hold a valid visa issued before June 9, 2025.

The proclamation specifically states that no visa issued before June 9, 2025, will be revoked solely due to this proclamation.

Guidance for Affected Individuals If you are a national of one of the countries listed above, these new travel restrictions may directly affect your ability to enter the U.S. We highly recommend you seek guidance from an ISS advisor before finalizing any international travel plans.

Resources

Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general guidance and should not be considered legal advice. The application of laws and government policies may vary based on individual circumstances. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, ISS disclaims all liability for any reliance on this content. This publication does not replace the direct reading of official government guidance or a consultation with a licensed immigration attorney.