US Visa Issuance Suspended for 19 Countries Effective June 9, 2025
In a dramatic escalation of national security measures, the United States has officially suspended visa issuance—either fully or partially—for citizens of 19 countries starting 12:01 a.m. EDT, June 9, 2025, under a sweeping new Presidential Proclamation aimed at countering foreign terrorist threats and safeguarding national safety.
This is not a drill. If you are from one of these nations and planning to travel to the U.S., this could change everything.
The Nations on the List of US Visa Ban Starting June 9, 2025
Full visa suspension applies to citizens of:
- Republic of the Congo
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Equatorial Guinea
- Sudan
- Haiti
- Eritrea
- Libya
- Yemen
- Somalia.
These countries are now completely blocked from both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories—with limited exceptions.
Partial visa suspension affects:
- Laos
- Cuba
- Burundi
- Turkmenistan
- Togo
- Sierra Leone
- Venezuela
Applicants from these countries are now restricted from receiving visitor (B-1/B-2) and student/exchange (F, M, J) visas, and all immigrant visas, unless they qualify under narrow exemptions.
Who Is Exempt for this Visa Suspension?
If you’re from one of the listed nations but fall into one of these categories, there is hope. Visa issuance may still proceed for:
- Immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) of U.S. citizens
- Adoption cases by U.S. citizens
- Immigrant visas for persecuted religious or ethnic minorities (especially in Iran)
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs)
- U.S. government employees under SIV provisions
- Participants in certain major international sporting events
- Dual nationals with a valid passport not from a suspended country
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
Furthermore, U.S. officials retain discretionary authority. The Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security can grant national interest exceptions on a case-by-case basis, including for reasons of justice, diplomacy, or humanitarian need.
What If I Already Have a Visa?
Good news: If you already hold a valid visa as of June 9, 2025, you are not affected. The ban applies only to foreign nationals who are:
- Outside the U.S. on or after June 9
- Do not already hold a valid U.S. visa
Your visa will not be revoked retroactively under this proclamation.
Can I Still Apply for a U.S. Visa After June 9, 2025?
Yes—but with a major caveat. You can submit an application and schedule an interview, but you may still be deemed ineligible for issuance or entry under the proclamation. Many consular officers are likely to place such cases on administrative hold until further policy clarification.