Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 10998 on “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 1, 2026, the United States is suspending or limiting entry and visa issuance to nationals of 39 countries as well as individuals applying using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority. With Presidential Proclamation 10998, as of the effective date of January 1, 2026, the following categorical exceptions provided in Presidential Proclamation 10949 for nationals subject to the suspension on entry are no longer available under Presidential Proclamation 10998: immediate family immigrant visas (IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, IR-5); adoption visas (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4); and Afghan Special Immigrant Visas.

In his discretion, the Secretary of State or his designee, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, may find, on a case-by-case basis, that travel by an individual would serve the U.S. national interest. The Secretary of Homeland Security or her designee, in coordination with the Secretary of State, may also find, on a case-by-case basis, that travel by an individual would serve the U.S. national interest.

Applicants who are subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998 may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States. For additional details, visit travel.state.gov here.