New US Travel Ban Expansion and H-1B Visa Cancellations Could Leave Foreign Nationals Stranded – Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on December 24, 2025

In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, President Trump has expanded the existing travel ban, affecting numerous countries and foreign nationals traveling to the United States. Starting January 1, 2026, citizens from 20 countries will face increased travel restrictions, including the full or partial suspension of entry. This change, combined with the cancellation of key visa appointments, could leave thousands of foreign nationals stranded abroad, causing significant disruptions for both individuals and their U.S. employers.

The travel ban expansion comes amid heightened security concerns, with new vetting procedures being implemented. For those who are planning to return to the U.S. from restricted countries, the situation is becoming increasingly complex. Here’s what foreign nationals need to know before booking their next flight.

The Impact of the New U.S. Travel Ban on Foreign Nationals

Effective January 1, 2026, citizens of several countries will no longer be able to enter the U.S. unless they meet specific exceptions. These restrictions are part of the U.S. government’s efforts to tighten immigration controls and address national security concerns. Citizens from the following countries will be fully banned from entering the U.S.:

• Afghanistan
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen
• Burkina Faso
• Laos
• Mali
• Niger
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Palestinians traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority

For these countries, there will be no opportunity to enter the U.S. unless individuals have specific exemptions, such as holding a valid green card or being granted asylum.

Partial Entry Suspension for Other Countries

In addition to the full bans, the U.S. is also enforcing partial entry suspensions for nationals of other countries. These countries will see restrictions on specific types of visas, including business, tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas. Nationals from the following countries will face partial bans on their entry into the U.S.:

• Burundi
• Cuba
• Togo
• Venezuela
• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Benin
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Dominica
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Moreover, visas for nationals of these countries will have shorter durations, and applicants may need to repeatedly reapply for new visas after their current ones expire.

H-1B and H-4 Visa Appointment Cancellations: A Growing Concern

In addition to the travel ban expansion, many U.S. consulates, particularly in India, are experiencing significant delays in processing visa applications. The U.S. Department of State has announced the cancellation of many H-1B and H-4 visa appointments, with some appointments being rescheduled for several months, or even up to a year later.

This delay is primarily due to the implementation of new online media vetting procedures for H-1B and H-4 visa applicants, which requires more time for processing. Foreign nationals applying for these visas should be aware that leaving the U.S. before their visa appointments may result in being stranded abroad for an extended period, potentially complicating their travel plans and causing major issues for their U.S. employers.

What Are the Exceptions to the U.S. Travel Ban?

While the new travel restrictions are strict, certain foreign nationals may still be exempt from the ban. Some of the key exceptions include:

1. Individuals holding valid U.S. visas as of January 1, 2026.
2. Green card holders or lawful permanent residents.
3. Those granted asylum or refugee status before January 1, 2026.
4. Immigrants from Iran who are ethnic or religious minorities facing persecution.
5. Dual nationals traveling on a passport issued by a non-banned country.
6. Foreign nationals traveling under certain visas such as A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and specific other categories.
7. Athletes, coaches, and supporting staff, along with their immediate families, traveling for major sporting events like the World Cup or the Olympics.
8. U.S. government employees traveling under Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs).

Furthermore, the U.S. government may grant exceptions on a case-by-case basis if it is deemed in the national interest.

What Should Employers and Foreign Nationals Do?

For U.S. employers, the new travel restrictions and visa cancellations pose significant risks to staffing and operations. It is highly advised that companies check with their foreign national employees about any upcoming international travel, ensuring that their visa appointments are confirmed and that they are aware of potential delays. Employers should also be cautious about allowing employees to travel abroad if they are on a visa subject to restrictions, as this could result in serious employment law and tax compliance issues.

Foreign nationals should confirm their visa appointment dates before leaving the U.S. to ensure that their travel plans are not disrupted. It is crucial to verify that they are not affected by the new restrictions and to coordinate with their employers for any required paperwork and documentation. The I-94 form, which indicates the authorization to live and work in the U.S., should be monitored closely, along with the visa’s expiration dates.

Additional Travel Considerations: Bonds and Passport Validity

In addition to the travel ban and visa delays, new requirements have been introduced for certain countries. For instance, citizens from specific countries are now required to pay a bond when applying for B-1 or B-2 visas. The bond amount will be set by consular officers during the visa interview. Furthermore, travelers to the U.S. must ensure their passports are valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay.

Conclusion: Navigating the U.S. Travel Restrictions

With the expanded travel ban and the cancellations of H-1B and H-4 visa appointments, foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. should carefully review their plans and be prepared for potential disruptions. As these changes come into effect, both individuals and employers must stay informed and take proactive steps to avoid being stranded abroad.