Updated Travel Ban Restricts Visa Issuance and Travel to the U.S. for Nationals of 19 Additional Countries

December 17, 2025

The Trump administration released a new presidential proclamation that will further restrict travel into the United States and the issuance of U.S. immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Beginning at 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026, the issuance of F and J visas will be suspended for nationals of 38 countries. 

The revised travel ban applies to nationals from the named countries who: 

  • Are located outside the U.S. on January 1, 2026, and  
  • Do not have a valid U.S. visa as of January 1, 2026. 

Important: Per the Proclamation, no existing valid visas will be revoked as a result of this expanded travel ban. In addition, individuals from the named countries who have a valid F/J visa issued prior to January 1, 2026, should be able to use the visa to re-enter the U.S. after January 1, 2026, per the proclamation, though they should expect increased vetting by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  

As of January 1, 2026, the Department of State will suspend issuance of F and J nonimmigrant visas for nationals of the following 38 countries, with new countries in bold: 

  • Afghanistan 
  • Angola 
  • Antigua and Barbuda 
  • Benin 
  • Burkina Faso 
  • Burundi  
  • Burma (Myanmar) 
  • Chad 
  • Cote d’Ivoire 
  • Cuba  
  • Republic of Congo 
  • Dominica 
  • Equatorial Guinea 
  • Eritrea 
  • Gabon 
  • The Gambia 
  • Haiti 
  • Iran 
  • Laos 
  • Libya 
  • Malawi 
  • Mali 
  • Mauritania 
  • Niger 
  • Nigeria 
  • Senegal 
  • Sierra Leone  
  • Somalia 
  • South Sudan 
  • Sudan 
  • Syria 
  • Tanzania 
  • Togo  
  • Tonga 
  • Venezuela  
  • Yemen 
  • Zambia 
  • Zimbabwe 
  • Individuals holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents, regardless of country of nationality.  

As of January 1, 2026, nationals of Turkmenistan may now apply for an F or J visa.  

Next Steps for Northeastern Students  

The Office of Global Services (OGS) will directly contact affected students with guidance about travel and maintaining status at Northeastern University.   

As stated above, per the Proclamation, no existing valid visas will be revoked as a result of this expanded travel ban. In addition, individuals from the named countries who have a valid F/J visa issued prior to January 1, 2026, should be able to use the visa to re-enter the U.S. after January 1, 2026, per the proclamation, though they should expect increased vetting by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  

However, to minimize potential disruption to your studies, work, or research, we strongly recommend that affected students return to the U.S. no later than December 31, 2025. This will allow you to be present in the U.S. before the modified travel restrictions go into effect. 

Note For Current Students: Those already in the U.S. with valid visas are not immediately affected by the country-based restrictions. Individuals from restricted countries that are inside the U.S. without a valid visa should avoid international travel as re-entry may be prohibited. If an individual from a restricted country decides to travel, it is highly recommended they obtain guidance from immigration counsel prior to leaving the U.S., as well as notify OGS and register their travel with the university. 

Resources for Additional Information  

  • Please contact OGS if you need guidance or support  

This summary reflects official announcements as of December 17, 2025. This information is provided for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals should consult qualified immigration professionals for guidance specific to their circumstances. 

 

Please note that as of January 1, 2026, the June 5th, 2025 guidance will expire and the Northeastern Community should reference the revised travel ban details found above. 

Travel Ban Restricts Visa Issuance and Travel to the U.S. for Nationals of Certain Countries (June 5, 2025)

The Trump administration has issued a presidential proclamation that will significantly impact international travel and the issuance of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Beginning at 12:01 AM EST on June 9, 2025, visa issuance will be suspended for individuals from specific countries. This includes a full suspension for citizens of 12 countries across all visa types (including F and J), and a suspension of visa issuance for F, J, M, and B visa categories from 7 countries.  

The travel restrictions apply only to individuals who: 

  • Hold nationality from one of the 19 designated countries and
  • Are located outside the United States on June 9, 2025 and
  • Do not possess a valid U.S. visa as of June 9, 2025 

Important: No existing valid visas will be canceled due to these new restrictions. 

You may review the White House Fact Sheet here and the Presidential Proclamation here. 

Country-Based Travel Restrictions 

  • Complete Travel Suspension (12 Countries): Starting June 9, 2025 at 12:01 AM ET, nationals from these countries will face complete suspension of all visa processing: 
    • Afghanistan 
    • Burma (Myanmar) 
    • Chad 
    • Republic of Congo 
    • Equatorial Guinea 
    • Eritrea 
    • Haiti 
    • Iran 
    • Libya 
    • Somalia 
    • Sudan 
    • Yemen 
  • Limited Travel Restrictions (7 Countries): These countries face suspension of F, J, B, and M visa processing: 
    • Burundi 
    • Cuba 
    • Laos 
    • Sierra Leone 
    • Togo 
    • Turkmenistan 
    • Venezuela 
    • For these seven countries, consular officers have also been directed to shorten the validity period of approved visas in non-restricted categories, though specific guidelines have not yet been released. 

This summary reflects official announcements as of June 5, 2025. This information is provided for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. Individuals should consult qualified immigration professionals for guidance specific to their circumstances.