On December 16, 2025, the White House issued a new proclamation outlining expanded travel restrictions for foreign nationals from specific countries. These updates are part of an ongoing effort to enhance national security and vetting protocols.
For international students and their families, understanding these changes is vital for planning academic journeys in the United States. While these new regulations introduce stricter entry requirements for certain nations, they also clarify exceptions and waivers. This guide summarizes the key updates, effective January 1, 2026, to help you navigate the current landscape.
Which countries face full entry restrictions?
The proclamation establishes a full suspension of entry for immigrants and nonimmigrants from a specific list of countries. This applies to nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and do not currently hold a valid visa.
The restrictions apply to the following countries:
Continuing restrictions: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
New or expanded restrictions: Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria.
Travel documents: The suspension also applies to individuals attempting to enter using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.
These measures were enacted following a review of global screening and information-sharing capabilities.
Which countries face partial restrictions?
Several countries are subject to partial restrictions. For these nations, the suspension specifically targets immigrants and nonimmigrants applying for certain visa classes, including business (B-1), tourism (B-2), student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visas.
If you are a national of the following countries, you may face restrictions when applying for these specific visa categories:
Continuing partial restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela.
New partial restrictions: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
A positive update for Turkmenistan
The proclamation notes progress in diplomatic engagement with Turkmenistan. As a result, the previous ban on nonimmigrant visas (including student and tourist visas) for nationals of Turkmenistan has been lifted. However, the suspension of entry for immigrants from Turkmenistan remains in place.
Are there exceptions to these restrictions?
Yes, the proclamation outlines several important exceptions. The restrictions generally do not apply to:
Lawful Permanent Residents: Individuals who already hold Green Cards.
Dual Nationals: Individuals traveling on a passport issued by a non-designated country.
Diplomats: Officials traveling on specific diplomatic visas (such as A-1, A-2, G-1, etc.).
Athletes: Participants in major sporting events like the Olympics or World Cup.
Additionally, case-by-case waivers may be available. The proclamation allows for exceptions if an individual’s entry is determined to be in the United States’ national interest. This discretion lies with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security.
What should students do next?
If you are a national of one of the listed countries and are planning to study in the US, it is essential to verify your specific visa status and eligibility.
Check your documents: Ensure your passport and current visa are valid.
Consult an advisor: Speak with your Shorelight advisor or university officials to understand how these updates impact your enrollment or travel plans.
Stay informed: Immigration policies can evolve. Keep an eye on official government channels for the latest information.
