U.S. freezes foreign visa processing for 75 countries
The United States has reportedly suspended foreign visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, following a directive attributed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to the information circulating on Wednesday, the freeze applies indefinitely and affects visa applications across multiple categories, though specific details on exemptions and implementation guidelines have not yet been officially clarified by the U.S. Department of State.
Countries listed as affected by the reported suspension include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
The reported decision has sparked concern among prospective travelers, students, workers, and families with pending visa applications, particularly in countries with high migration and educational ties to the United States, including Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
As of the time of filing this report, the U.S. State Department has not released an official statement detailing the scope, duration, or legal basis of the alleged freeze. Analysts say if confirmed, the move could have significant diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian implications, especially for countries affected by conflict, economic instability, or strong bilateral ties with the U.S.
More details are expected as U.S. authorities provide clarification on the development.
