Timely Update- Information on Travel Bans

There are some important updates about travel to the United States that will go into effect on January 1, 2026. Please read this information carefully and contact our office if you have questions. 

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, a new Presidential Proclamation, Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States, was announced. This modifies the previous full and partial travel ban country list from June 4, 2026. See Timely Updates for information regarding previous updates. This new proclamation will take place starting at 12:01AM eastern standard time on January 1, 2026.  

Both lists (full and partial) restrict those on F and J visas from certain countries entering the U.S.  It is our understanding that individuals currently within the U.S. in a valid status are not affected.  There are some exceptions depending on visa validity. Please consult with ISSS first.  

We have reached out to those on F, J, and H-1B visas who are impacted by these new restrictions and will continue to work closely with them.  

Full Ban:  

This means that entry is suspended for all immigrants and nonimmigrants, including those on F, J, and H-1B visas. There is a total of 20 countries impacted.  

Eight additional countries have been added: 

• Burkina Faso
• Laos
• Mali
• Niger
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Syria
• And any individuals who are on travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.  

The original 12 countries continue to be subject to full ban:  

• Afghanistan
• Burma
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen 

Partial Ban:  

This means that entry is suspended for immigrants and those on F and J visas (as well as B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, and M visas) 

15 additional countries have been added:  

• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Benin
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Dominica
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe 

Originally seven counties were subject to partial ban, and this has now been updated to four:  

• Burundi (remains)
• Cuba (remains)
• Togo (remains)
• Venezuela (remains)
• Laos (moved to full ban list)
• Sierra Leone (moved to full ban list)
• Turkmenistan (B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J ban will be lifted but immigrant travel ban will remain) 

We understand this news is concerning, especially those directly impacted by this updated travel ban. ISSS will continue to follow this situation closely.