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The US State Department has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to citizens of 75 countries, including Russia, Iran, Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen, Fox News reports.
According to an internal memo obtained by the network, consular staff have been instructed to deny visas under existing law while the department reviews its applicant screening and selection procedures. The pause is set to begin on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely, until the review is completed.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott explained that the measure is intended to prevent entry by individuals who could become a “public charge” or misuse US government support. Exceptions to the suspension will be “extremely limited” and granted only after an applicant is cleared under the public charge criteria.
The Russian tourism industry has already complained that the suspension effectively freezes travel to the US for an indefinite period.
The move follows the introduction of a new $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” earlier in 2026, applied to most nonimmigrant visas, including tourist, student, work, and exchange visas, while exempting only diplomatic visas (categories A and G).
