US Pauses Visa Processing for 75 Countries Starting January 21

Washington is preparing a temporary halt to visa services covering 75 countries, according to media reports citing an internal State Department memo. Officials have not publicly released final guidance or a duration.

According to reports dated January 14, embassies and consulates have been told to prepare for a suspension beginning January 21. Initial coverage named Somalia, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, and Thailand among the countries impacted, while the department has yet to post a public list or formal notice explaining the scope.

Early accounts differ on how broad the pause will be. Some describe a freeze across all visa types for the listed countries. Others say the action focuses on immigrant visas tied to public charge assessments. That distinction carries real consequences for travelers and employers, because a full pause would reach tourist, business, and student categories as well, not only permanent immigration.

Who could be affected

Applicants with appointments on or after January 21 in the listed countries should prepare for interview cancellations, rescheduling, or delayed issuance. Airlines, universities, and employers could experience knock on effects if students, workers, and family members cannot arrive on time. While the United States has used targeted restrictions before, a 75 country pause would be unusually large and could ripple through spring admissions and seasonal hiring.

Consular posts will implement guidance consistent with U.S. law while procedures are reassessed.

Full list of 75 affected countries

Africa (26)

• Algeria
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
• Cote d’Ivoire (Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast)
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Egypt
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Liberia
• Libya
• Morocco
• Nigeria
• Republic of the Congo
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Tunisia
• Uganda

Asia (23)

• Afghanistan
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cambodia
• Georgia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Mongolia
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• Syria
• Thailand
• Uzbekistan
• Yemen

Europe (8)

• Albania
• Belarus
• Bosnia (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Kosovo
• Macedonia (North Macedonia)
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Russia

North America, including Central America and the Caribbean (14)

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Nicaragua
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

South America (3)

• Brazil
• Colombia
• Uruguay

Oceania (1)

• Fiji

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