U.S slams door on visas for 19 nations in bold national security move

Abdullateef Fowewe

In a sweeping policy shift aimed at bolstering national security, the U.S. Department of State announced a partial suspension of visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST.

The decision, issued under Presidential Proclamation 10998, targets nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as most immigrant visas—with narrow exceptions.

“The suspension addresses critical national security concerns,” the Department stated in its official release, underscoring that it will impact travelers, students, and immigrants from Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Exemptions offer some relief: dual nationals using passports from unaffected countries, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Special Immigrant Visa applicants, participants in major international sporting events, and persecuted immigrant visa seekers can still apply.

Reactions are pouring in, especially from Nigeria—one of the hardest-hit nations—where students and business travelers worry about disrupted plans.

“This will reshape opportunities for thousands of prospective students and visitors,” noted a spokesperson from a Nigerian education advocacy group, as affected countries brace for 2026.