US Implements Visa Restrictions for 14 African Nations

The US Department of State announced a partial suspension of visa issuance for citizens of 14 African countries, citing national security concerns under Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

This proclamation, titled "Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States," specifically restricts nationals from Angola, Benin, Burundi, Côte D'Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia from obtaining nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, as well as all immigrant visas. The US government stated that it is implementing "rigorous, security-focused screening and vetting procedures" to ensure that visa-approved individuals do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

These current restrictions build on the earlier Presidential Proclamation 10949, which had suspended entry for nationals of 19 countries until modified by Proclamation 10998.