Updated Presidential Proclamation on Entry Restrictions for Certain Foreign Nationals 

On Dec. 16, 2025, the White House issued a presidential proclamation imposing entry restrictions on nationals of 38 countries and individuals traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority who do not hold a valid U.S. visa.

The countries affected are Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, The Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as individuals traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.

The new proclamation lifts the suspension on entry for nonimmigrant visas for nationals of Turkmenistan. However, the entry of immigrants is suspended for nationals of Turkmenistan.

These entry restrictions replace the June 4, 2025, presidential  proclamation.

The entry restrictions are scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Under the proclamation, the restrictions apply to individuals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not already hold a valid U.S. visa. Most international students and scholars who are currently in the U.S. in valid status can continue their studies. Existing visas issued prior to the effective date are not revoked by this proclamation.

The Office of International Services (OIS) has already contacted impacted members of our international community and will continue to provide updates as federal guidance becomes available.  If you are an F or J visa holder and are affected by these entry restrictions, or if you believe you may be affected, please do not make international travel plans without first consulting OIS. You may contact OIS by email or through drop-in advising for individualized guidance.

We recognize that announcements of this nature can raise questions and concerns. International students and scholars are vital members of our Trojan Family, and USC remains committed to supporting you and connecting you with accurate information and appropriate resources during this time.