Major Travel Restrictions Take Effect June 2025
On June 7, 2025, a Presidential Proclamation introduced sweeping travel restrictions affecting visa issuance for nationals from 19 countries, with implementation beginning June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT. The new travel restrictions target both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories, impacting tourists, students, workers, and families seeking U.S. entry. This marks one of the most significant changes to U.S. immigration policy in recent years.
The proclamation divides affected nations into two categories: 12 countries face complete visa suspension, while 7 countries experience partial restrictions on specific visa types. However, the travel restrictions include important exemptions that protect existing visa holders and certain vulnerable populations.
Countries Affected by Full and Partial Travel Bans
The June 2025 travel restrictions create a two-tier system affecting nationals from different countries in varying degrees.
Full Visa Suspension (12 Countries)
- Afghanistan: Complete suspension of all immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories
- Burma (Myanmar): Total visa processing halt for all categories
- Chad: Full travel ban affecting all visa types
- Republic of the Congo: Complete suspension of visa issuance
- Equatorial Guinea: All visa categories suspended indefinitely
- Eritrea: Total visa processing ban implemented
- Haiti: Complete suspension affecting all applicants
- Iran: Full visa ban with limited religious minority exemptions
- Libya: Total suspension of all visa categories
- Somalia: Complete visa processing halt
- Sudan: All visa types suspended
- Yemen: Full travel ban on all visa categories
Partial Visa Restrictions (7 Countries)
- Burundi: B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F/M/J student visas, and all immigrant visas suspended
- Cuba: Tourist, business, student, and exchange visitor visas restricted
- Laos: Partial suspension targeting visitor and student visa categories
- Sierra Leone: B-1/B-2 and student visa categories affected
- Togo: Business, tourist, and student visas restricted
- Turkmenistan: Visitor and student visa categories suspended
- Venezuela: B-1/B-2, F/M/J, and immigrant visas affected
The State Department confirmed that these travel restrictions will undergo review every 90 days initially, then every 180 days thereafter. Countries may be added or removed from the list based on security cooperation and vetting standards.
Who Is Affected by the Travel Restrictions
The June 2025 travel restrictions apply specifically to foreign nationals who meet two criteria: they must be outside the United States on June 9, 2025, AND they must not hold a valid U.S. visa on that date.
For Current Visa Holders
If you currently hold a valid U.S. visa issued before June 9, 2025, you are NOT affected by the proclamation and can continue using your visa to enter the United States. The State Department confirmed that no previously issued visas will be revoked. However, when your current visa expires, renewal applications may face denial under the new restrictions.
For Green Card Holders and Dual Citizens
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are completely exempt from the travel restrictions and can travel freely to the United States. Dual nationals can avoid restrictions by entering on a passport from a non-restricted country. These exemptions provide critical flexibility for established residents.
For International Students and Workers
Students from the seven partially restricted countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela) cannot obtain new F, M, or J visas after June 9, 2025. Current students with valid visas can continue their studies but must avoid international travel. Workers on H-1B and other employment visas from fully restricted countries cannot renew or obtain new work visas, significantly impacting career mobility.
Critical Exemptions You Need to Know
The Presidential Proclamation includes several important exemptions that allow certain individuals to obtain visas despite the travel restrictions.
- Immediate Relatives: Spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens can still obtain immigrant visas
- Adoption Cases: Children being adopted by U.S. citizens are exempt from restrictions
- Special Immigrant Visas: Afghan and Iraqi nationals who worked for the U.S. government qualify for exemptions
- Diplomatic Visas: Officials with A and G visa classifications remain unaffected
- Religious Minorities: Iranian religious minorities facing persecution can apply for exemptions
- National Interest Cases: Visa officers can grant waivers when entry serves U.S. national interests
How to Navigate the New Travel Restrictions
If you're affected by the June 2025 travel restrictions, follow these steps to understand your options.
- Check Your Current Visa Status: Log into the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) to verify your visa expiration date and category
- Avoid International Travel: If you hold a valid visa and live in the U.S., postpone any international trips until regulations clarify
- Explore Exemption Qualifications: Review the official State Department exemption list to determine if you qualify for any categories
- Consult Immigration Attorney: Schedule consultation within 30 days to discuss waiver applications or alternative pathways
- Gather Supporting Documentation: Compile proof of U.S. ties, family relationships, employment needs, or humanitarian circumstances
- Monitor Policy Updates: Set alerts for the 90-day review cycle when restrictions may be modified or lifted
- Prepare Alternative Plans: Research third-country visa options or remote work arrangements as contingencies
Important Dates and Timeline
Understanding the timeline helps you plan your visa strategy effectively.
- June 7, 2025: Presidential Proclamation signed and announced by State Department
- June 9, 2025, 12:01 a.m. EDT: Travel restrictions officially take effect for new visa applications
- September 2025 (90 days): First review period where countries may be added or removed from list
- December 2025 (180 days): Second major review with potential policy modifications
- October 1, 2025: New fiscal year begins with updated interview waiver rules for visa renewals
- Ongoing: U.S. consulates worldwide implement additional screening procedures for affected nationals
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Restrictions
Will My Current Visa Be Canceled Under the New Travel Restrictions?
No, the State Department explicitly confirmed that no visas issued before June 9, 2025 will be revoked. Your existing visa remains valid until its expiration date. However, if you're outside the U.S., you should avoid international travel as renewal applications may be denied once your current visa expires.
Can I Still Visit the U.S. If I'm From a Partially Restricted Country?
It depends on your visa category. The seven partially restricted countries only face bans on B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F/M/J student visas, and immigrant visas. Other visa categories like H-1B work visas may still be available, but each case requires individual assessment by consular officers.
Do These Travel Restrictions Apply to U.S. Citizens?
No, U.S. citizens are never restricted from entering the United States regardless of where they've traveled. However, if you're a U.S. citizen with family members from affected countries, they may face challenges obtaining visas to visit or immigrate to the U.S.
How Long Will These Travel Restrictions Last?
The proclamation requires reviews every 90 days initially, then every 180 days. Countries demonstrating improved security cooperation and vetting standards may be removed from the list. However, the restrictions remain in effect indefinitely until officially modified or revoked through future policy changes.
What You Need to Know About These Changes
The June 2025 travel restrictions represent a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, affecting millions of potential travelers, students, and workers worldwide. If you currently hold a valid visa, you can continue using it, but avoid international travel to prevent complications. The 90-day review cycle offers hope for policy adjustments based on diplomatic engagement.
For anyone planning U.S. travel or immigration, ensure your passport photo meets requirements before applying for any visa, as photo rejections cause significant delays even for exempt applicants. Check visa specifications for your specific document type and stay informed about policy updates through official State Department channels. Consider consulting an immigration attorney if you're from an affected country and have urgent travel needs, as waiver applications and exemptions require detailed documentation and legal expertise.