Expanded U.S. Journey Restrictions: What You Have to Know | Alston & Chook

Our Immigration Team examines the most recent presidential proclamation that provides two dozen nations to the present journey ban.

• The ban goes into impact January 1, 2026
• Case-by-case waivers are nonetheless out there, and there are a number of exemptions
• Companies ought to put together for delays within the visa approval course of and pause journey and onboarding till worker standing is confirmed

The Trump Administration has considerably broadened the U.S. journey ban to incorporate nationals from 40 nations. This newest proclamation builds on Executive Order 14161 (January 20, 2025) and Proclamation 10949 (June 4, 2025) and takes impact on January 1, 2026. The new proclamation expands journey restrictions by subjecting new nations to full or partial suspensions of immigrant and nonimmigrant visas as a result of nations’ insufficient vetting and safety measures. The coverage will probably be reviewed each 180 days, permitting nations to be added or eliminated primarily based on their compliance with U.S. safety requirements.

Full Suspension

Nationals of designated nations who’re exterior the nation and don’t maintain a sound visa as of January 1, 2026 are fully barred from entry into the United States below all immigrant and all nonimmigrant visa classes. In addition, no customer, scholar, work, or immigrant visas will probably be issued by U.S. consulates to those nationals. Only uncommon, slim exceptions for sure diplomatic visas or case-by-case waivers for U.S. nationwide pursuits will probably be permitted.

• Existing Countries (from Proclamation 10949):
  Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen
• Newly Added Countries:
  Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria, and people touring on Palestinian Authority–issued or endorsed journey paperwork

Partial Suspension

Nationals of sure nations face restrictions on particular visa classes, sometimes immigrant visas and customary nonimmigrant visas akin to B-1/B-2 (customer) and F/M/J (scholar/alternate). Diplomatic and official visas should still be out there however with decreased validity. Consular officers are instructed to restrict the length of any remaining visa sorts.

• Existing Countries (from Proclamation 10949):
  Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Venezuela
• Newly Added Countries:
  Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Turkmenistan (immigrant visas solely), Zambia, Zimbabwe

Scope and Implementation

Restrictions apply solely to overseas nationals from designated nations who’re exterior the United States and don’t maintain a sound visa on the efficient date. Case-by-case waivers could also be granted for journey serving a important U.S. nationwide curiosity on the discretion of the Attorney General, Secretary of State, or Secretary of Homeland Security. Additionally, these restrictions don’t apply to:

• Lawful everlasting residents (inexperienced card holders).
• Dual nationals touring on a passport from a non-designated nation.
• Holders of legitimate diplomatic and official visas (A, C, G, NATO classes).
• Athletes and important personnel for main worldwide sporting occasions (e.g., World Cup, Olympics).
• Special immigrant visas for U.S. authorities workers.
• Immigrant visas for ethnic and spiritual minorities dealing with persecution in Iran.

What This Means for Individual Travelers

Individuals ought to affirm their eligibility earlier than reserving journey by checking nationality, visa standing, and whether or not their visa was legitimate on the efficient date of the proclamation. Dual nationals are suggested to make use of a passport from a non-restricted nation. Travelers ought to carry all required paperwork, together with passports, a sound U.S. visa or inexperienced card, and any proof of exception or waiver approval. Those impacted by the restrictions ought to contemplate making use of for a case-by-case waiver and monitor airline and consular steerage for boarding and documentation necessities.

Visa candidates from partially restricted nations ought to count on longer processing occasions, extra rigorous scrutiny, and the next chance of denial. Family reunification will change into harder as a result of siblings and grownup youngsters from affected nations will now not qualify for immigrant visas. Legal challenges may alter how these guidelines are enforced, so staying knowledgeable by means of official updates is crucial.

Key Takeaways for Corporate Clients

• Assess Workforce Exposure. Identify affected workers and dependents; pause journey and onboarding till their standing is confirmed.
• Plan Ahead. Prepare for delays and disruptions in journey or assignments; coordinate with workers on documentation and waiver methods.

[View source.]