Immigration Lawyer Blog
With sweeping visa restrictions affecting nationals of 75 and 39 countries, securing a U.S. visa has become increasingly challenging. But even under the toughest immigration restrictions, exceptions are possible.
Here’s how we overcame a visa refusal under the travel ban and successfully secured a National Interest Exception (NIE) for our clients.
Status of the Travel Bans
The U.S. Department of State implemented two significant immigration restrictions affecting nationals of dozens of countries. Although both measures created substantial barriers to visa issuance, their legal status has since changed.
As of October 18, 2026, the 39-country travel ban remains in effect, while the 75-country immigrant visa suspension was lifted following a federal court ruling on August 21, 2026.
|
Immigration Restriction |
Current Status |
| 39-Country Travel Ban | Still in effect |
| 75-Country Immigrant Visa Suspension |
Lifted August 21, 2026 |
Which Countries Are Subject to the 39-Country Travel Ban?
Under Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, nationals of 39 countries face full or partial restrictions on U.S. visa issuance and entry into the United States.
- Full Restriction (19 countries): Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Burkina Faso, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Restrictions also apply to individuals traveling on documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.
- Partial Restriction (20 countries): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Who Is Affected?
The travel ban generally applies to nationals of designated countries who were outside the United States and did not hold a valid U.S. visa on January 1, 2026.
Individuals who already held a valid U.S. visa on that date are generally exempt from the proclamation and may continue traveling to the United States, provided their visa remains valid and they meet all other entry requirements. The proclamation does not automatically revoke previously issued visas, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are exempt.
For those subject to the ban, visa issuance and entry may be restricted even if they otherwise qualify for a U.S. visa. However, certain exceptions remain available, including a National Interest Exception (NIE) for applicants whose entry would serve the national interest of the United States.