Updated U.S. Travel Ban: Who Is Affected and What the Restrictions Mean

In December 2025, the U.S. government announced an expanded travel ban affecting nationals from several countries. These new restrictions went into effect on January 1, 2026, and continue to significantly impact individuals applying for U.S. visas or planning travel to the United States.

Below is a simplified explanation of who is affected, what the restrictions involve, and which exemptions may apply.

What Is the Updated Travel Ban?

The updated travel ban, issued through a presidential proclamation, expands on earlier restrictions announced in June 2025. It fully or partially suspends entry into the United States and the issuance of visas for nationals of 39 countries, as well as individuals applying with travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.

Because the scope and impact vary by country and visa type, it is critical to understand how these rules apply to your specific situation.

👉 Schedule a consultation at immigrationgt.com/consultation to review your eligibility.

Two Levels of Restrictions: Full vs. Partial Suspension

The proclamation divides affected countries into two categories based on the severity of the restrictions.

1. Full Suspension

For these countries, the issuance of both immigrant visas (green cards) and nonimmigrant visas (temporary visas) is fully suspended. Nationals of these countries are generally unable to apply for permanent residence, employment-based visas, student visas, or short-term visitor visas.

Countries under full suspension include:

Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Yemen.

If you are from one of these countries, exceptions may still exist depending on your status or background.👉 Speak with an immigration attorney at immigrationgt.com/consultation before taking any action.

2. Partial Suspension

For these countries, all immigrant visas are suspended, while nonimmigrant visas are partially restricted, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, and J stud

ent or exchange visas. Other nonimmigrant visa categories may still be issued, but often with shorter validity periods, limiting travel flexibility.

Countries under partial suspension include:

Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Important note: For Turkmenistan, temporary visas are no longer restricted.

Because partial suspensions vary by visa type, legal guidance can be crucial.👉 Book a consultation at immigrationgt.com/consultation to understand your options.

Who Is Subject to the Ban?

The restrictions generally apply to individuals who:

• Are nationals of one of the listed countries

• Are outside the United States on January 1, 2026, and

• Do not already hold a valid visa that is exempt from suspension

If you already have a valid visa, it will not be revoked, even if you are currently outside the United States. No visas issued before January 1, 2026, have been or will be canceled.

Applicants from affected countries may still apply and attend interviews, but they may ultimately be ineligible to receive a visa or enter the U.S.

Who Is NOT Included in the Restrictions?

The travel ban includes several important exemptions. It does not apply to:

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)

• Dual nationals traveling with a passport from a non-restricted country

• Diplomats traveling on official visas

• Athletes, coaches, and staff participating in major international sporting events (e.g., World Cup, Olympics)

• Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants who worked for the U.S. government

• Certain religious or ethnic minorities from Iran applying for immigrant visas due to persecution

Additionally, U.S. authorities may grant case-by-case exceptions if the travel is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.

👉 An attorney can help determine whether an exception applies to you. Schedule your consultation at immigrationgt.com/consultation.

How Long Will the Travel Ban Last?

There is no fixed end date. Federal agencies must review the restrictions every 180 days and recommend whether they should be continued, modified, expanded, or lifted.

Conclusion

If you or your family may be affected by these restrictions, it is essential to:

• Confirm whether your country and visa category are impacted

• Determine whether any exemptions or exceptions apply

• Seek legal guidance before applying for a visa or making travel plans

Travel bans are complex, and small details—such as dual nationality or visa classification—can make a major difference.

At Gaertner & Torres PLLC, recognized as Chambers Top Ranked USA 2025, we provide strategic, case-specific guidance to help you navigate these challenges with confidence.

👉 Book your consultation today at immigrationgt.com/consultation and receive personalized legal support tailored to your immigration goals.