US visa curbs take effect across wide country list

Officials said the suspensions were introduced under existing immigration and national security powers, citing concerns that range from inadequate identity-verification systems to weak cooperation on deportations and overstays. The policy does not amount to a blanket travel ban but places tighter controls on the issuance of new visas, with some categories paused entirely and others subject to enhanced scrutiny.

Countries named in official notices include Afghanistan and Bangladesh in South Asia; Iran and Iraq in the Middle East; Egypt and Ghana in Africa; and Colombia in Latin America. Several of the affected states are long-standing security partners of Washington, while others are grappling with political instability or humanitarian crises. The diversity of the list has prompted debate among diplomats and migration experts about the criteria used and the likely diplomatic fallout.

According to guidance circulated to embassies and consulates by the US Department of State, the suspensions primarily target non-immigrant visa categories such as tourist and business travel, along with certain exchange and temporary work programmes. Existing visa holders are generally not affected, and lawful permanent residents retain their right to enter. Humanitarian exemptions are предусмотрены for cases involving medical treatment, family reunification or obligations under international law.

Administration officials have stressed that the move is part of a wider recalibration of border and migration policy rather than a country-specific judgement. A senior official, speaking on background, said the decision followed internal reviews of document security, information-sharing standards and rates of visa misuse. “Where systems fall short, we are obliged to act to protect the integrity of our immigration process,” the official said.

The rollout has drawn swift reactions abroad. Officials in Bangladesh said they were seeking clarification on the scope of the restrictions and whether additional documentation could mitigate their impact. In Colombia, where travel to the US is a key component of business and academic exchange, industry groups warned of disruptions to trade missions and conferences. Egyptian tourism representatives expressed concern that tougher visa rules could discourage outbound travel at a time when international connectivity is seen as vital for economic recovery.

Migration analysts note that the policy arrives amid sustained pressure on the US asylum system and heightened political sensitivity around border control ahead of a presidential election year. The administration has already tightened enforcement along the southern border and expanded fast-track removals, while also opening limited humanitarian pathways for specific nationalities. The visa suspensions add another layer to what has become a complex and often contested policy landscape.

Legal experts say the government is on firmer ground than during earlier, more sweeping travel bans, which faced court challenges. By grounding the measures in technical assessments of visa compliance and security cooperation, and by allowing for waivers, the administration appears to have sought to reduce the risk of successful litigation. Nonetheless, advocacy groups argue that nationals from conflict-affected states such as Afghanistan and Iraq are likely to be disproportionately harmed, particularly students and family members seeking lawful entry.