As of December 2025, the US imposed temporary restrictions on B‑1/B‑2 Business and Tourist Visas, F‑1 Student Visas, M‑1 Vocational Student Visas, and J Exchange Visitor Visas for 20 countries, making it harder for nationals to obtain new visas. The restrictions do not constitute an absolute ban; those holding valid visas, lawful permanent residents, diplomats, and other travellers under narrow exemptions may still enter the US.
The affected African countries are Angola, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Cuba are affected. Asian countries under temporary restrictions include Turkmenistan and Tonga, while South America is represented by Venezuela.
The temporary ban primarily suspends the new issuance of these visas, affecting business travellers, tourists, students, and exchange visitors. Africa is the most impacted region, highlighting the continued focus of US policy on selective travel restrictions while still allowing exceptions under specific circumstances.
