The US State Department is set to suspend visa processing for citizens of 75 countries starting January 21, marking one of the Trump administration’s most aggressive immigration actions and impacting global travel, work, and tourism.
By Staff Reporter
Manhattan Voice
January 14, 2026
According to a person familiar with the matter, the US State Department plans to freeze visa processing indefinitely for citizens of 75 countries, citing national security and public charge concerns. The policy has not yet been publicly announced, but details were outlined in an internal memo reviewed by officials.
If implemented as described, the suspension would shut down new US visa applications for more than one-third of the world’s countries, dramatically impacting international travel, employment, education, and tourism.
Which Countries Are Affected by the US Visa Suspension?
The list reportedly includes countries such as Brazil and Nigeria, alongside nations that already face heavy visa restrictions, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Somalia.
While applicants from some of those countries have long encountered limited access to US visas, the inclusion of major emerging economies and close US partners would come as a shock to many travelers and businesses.
The move was first reported by Fox News Digital, which said consular officers have been instructed to refuse new visa applications until screening and vetting procedures are reassessed.
The pause is expected to take effect on January 21, according to the report.
Impact on Travel, Work, and the 2026 World Cup
The timing of the visa freeze is especially significant. The United States is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event expected to draw hundreds of thousands of international visitors.
By halting visa processing for dozens of countries, the policy could upend travel plans, disrupt international business, and complicate preparations for global events hosted on US soil.
For individuals hoping to travel to the US for work, study, or tourism, the suspension could mean months or even years of uncertainty, particularly if the freeze is extended indefinitely.
The US State Department is set to suspend visa processing for citizens of 75 countries starting January 21, marking one of the Trump administration’s most aggressive immigration actions and impacting global travel, work, and tourism.
President Donald Trump previously threatened broader visa restrictions after an Afghan national shot two National Guard troops in Washington late last year. The administration has also moved to end deportation protections for Somali nationals, part of a broader deportation push centered in Minnesota, home to one of the largest Somali communities in the US.
In a statement released Wednesday, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott defended the approach.
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” Pigott said.
The US visa process is already considered one of the most stringent in the world, and the proposed suspension would build on restrictions put in place over several years.
In 2024, the administration ordered consular officers to scrutinize visa applicants’ social media profiles for signs of anti-US sentiment, political extremism, or national security risks. That policy significantly expanded background checks and lengthened processing times.
The new visa freeze would go further, stopping applications entirely from affected countries while officials reassess screening standards.
As of now, the State Department has not publicly released the full list of affected countries or provided a timeline for when visa processing might resume.
If confirmed, the policy would represent a major shift in US immigration and travel policy, with global implications for diplomacy, tourism, higher education, and international commerce.
Travelers, employers, and universities are now waiting for official guidance as January 21 approaches.
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