Full versus partial bans explained
The United States is beginning to implement a new set of visa issuance procedures access restrictions under Presidential Proclamation 10998expanding a previous policy from June 2025.
The US State Department says the measures suspend, in whole or in part, the issuance and entry of visas for nationals of 39 countriesand also applicable to people using travel documents issued or approved by the Palestinian Authority.
The government describes the restrictions as security-oriented – targeting countries it says have serious gaps in identity management, information sharing and vetting, in addition to concerns such as overstays and failure to cooperate with removals.
What changed at 12:01 a.m. ET on January 1
The key operational point for travelers is that the proclamation is intended to exert influence future visa issuance and eligibility for entrynot to cancel visas en masse retroactively. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is explicit: “No visas have been issued or will be revoked before January 1, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. EST.”
Equally important is the scope trigger. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the proclamation Applies to foreign nationals who are outside the United States on the Effective Date and do not have a valid visa on the Effective Date.
Who is completely blocked: 19 countries plus Palestinian Authority travel documents
Under the implementation guidelines of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, complete suspension of visa issuance applies to nationals of 19 countries—Afghanistan, Burma, Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen– and for people who travel further all travel documents issued or approved by the Palestinian Authority. The suspension applies to those who are covered all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categoriessubject to limited exceptions.
CRS (Congressional Research Service) describes this as “full suspension”, meaning it is locked both immigrants and non-immigrants from the countries mentioned (again with exceptions and exemptions).
Who is partially restricted: visitor, student, exchange and immigrant visas
The State Department also outlines one partial suspension for nationals of 19 countries—Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In these cases, the US suspends the issuance of B-1/B-2 visitor visas (business/tourism), F and M student visas, J exchange visitor visasAnd all immigrant visasagain with limited exceptions.
Turkmenistan is a special case. This is stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from January 1, 2026it is partial suspension of visa issuance to nationals of Turkmenistan for all immigrant visas (but not the same sweeping non-immigrant categories described above).
Exceptions, waivers and what has changed from the June 2025 policy
In the proclamations there are categorical exceptions lawful permanent residents, dual nationality traveling with a passport from a non-designated countryCertainly diplomatic/official visas, participants in major sporting eventsand sure Special immigrant visas tied to U.S. government employment.
There is also one national interest on a case-by-case basis Journey: The Department of State notes that the Secretary of State (or designee), in coordination with DHS, may determine that an individual’s travel serves the national interests of the U.S.; parallel authority is described for DHS and DOJ in certain circumstances.
One of the most significant changes for families is what the State Department says no longer available under the new proclamation: categorical exceptions previously covered immigrant visas for immediate families, adoption visasAnd Afghan special immigrant visas.
Common misconceptions that travelers should correct immediately
Misconception 1: “My existing US visa will become invalid on January 1.”
Not automatically. The Department of State says valid visas issued before the effective date are valid not repealed under the proclamation.
Misconception 2: “If I come from a ‘partial suspension’ country, all travel to the US is prohibited.”
Partial suspension is mainly specific to the visa type B, F, M, J and immigrant visas – while other non-immigrant categories may still be possible, sometimes with reduced validity, depending on consular practice and legal limits.
Misconception 3: “When I’m in the US, it doesn’t bother me.”
The sharp edge is the re-entry logistics. If you leave the United States and later a new visa issuance (because your visa expires or you need to re-stamp), you may face the new restrictions depending on your nationality, visa category and whether you qualify for an exception or waiver.
Practical next steps for travelers, students and families
First determine which bucket applies: full suspension, partial suspensionor Partial suspension of the immigrant visa for Turkmenistan– and whether you might qualify as dual citizenship using an undesignated passport or as a LPR.
Secondly, if you already have a valid visa, check its validity dates and plan travel itineraries accordingly. The State Department notes that affected applicants can still submit applications and schedule interviews, but can be found are not eligible for issuance or admission.
Finally, if your situation is time-sensitive (such as school start date, weddings, or urgent family matters), document your facts early to avoid any problems. national interest or discretionary waiver requests and monitor updates from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, which often publish practical FAQs tailored to local applicants.
