US Travel Restrictions 2026: Major Entry Bans Affect Citizens from 37 Countries Amid New Presidential Proclamation

Listeners planning trips to the United States should note that the U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for international destinations, but for travel to the U.S. itself, recent presidential proclamations have introduced significant entry restrictions effective January 1, 2026. On December 16, 2025, President Trump signed Proclamation 10998, titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” which fully bans entry for citizens of 19 countries including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, as well as individuals using travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. This order also bans all immigrants and specific nonimmigrant visa holders like B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas for nationals of another 18 countries such as Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, plus a full immigrant ban for Turkmenistan citizens.

Alston & Bird reports that these expanded restrictions, building on prior bans, include case-by-case waivers and exemptions but warn companies to prepare for visa delays and pause travel plans until status is confirmed. Washington University’s Office of International Students and Scholars emphasizes that green card holders and those already in the U.S. with valid visas as of January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST are exempt, but nationals from listed countries outside the U.S. without valid visas face strong barriers to entry, advising them to avoid international travel to prevent re-entry issues.

Northeastern University’s Office of Global Services highlights that F and J visa issuance is suspended for nationals of 38 countries starting the same date, urging caution during winter breaks and noting potential further modifications. The Government of Canada’s travel advice confirms petty crime in U.S. urban and tourist areas but states Canadian citizens, even dual nationals traveling on Canadian passports, remain unaffected by the proclamation.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of State note no broad travel advisories for the U.S. itself, but a February 5, 2026, security alert from the U.S. Embassy in Ireland warns of issues at land border crossings. Listeners from unrestricted nationalities should exercise normal precautions against urban crime, terrorism risks in some areas, and natural disasters, while checking personal eligibility amid these evolving rules—consult travel.state.gov for real-time updates before booking. Delays in visa processing and enforcement uncertainties make advance planning essential for safe, smooth travel to America.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI