Overview

• The policy fully bars nationals from 12 African and Middle Eastern countries and imposes additional restrictions on seven others lacking valid U.S. visas.
• Guidance preserves existing visas for affected travelers but rejects new applications that do not qualify under narrow exemption provisions.
• Exemptions apply to lawful permanent residents, diplomats, select Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders and athletes bound for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
• Aid organizations and refugee advocates condemn the ban as discriminatory and argue it undermines humanitarian commitments without genuine security benefits.
• Chad has suspended visa issuance to U.S. citizens in protest, and other affected governments have lodged formal diplomatic objections.