South Korea Joins Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Others in Facing Stricter US Visa Scrutiny and Cancellations as Government Cracks Down on Birth Tourism: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 13, 2025

South Korea joins Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries in facing stricter U.S. visa scrutiny and cancellations as the U.S. government intensifies its crackdown on birth tourism. This growing trend, where pregnant women travel abroad, particularly to the U.S., to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their children, has raised concerns across several nations. In response, the U.S. Embassy in these countries, including South Korea, has implemented tougher visa requirements, requiring consular officers to carefully scrutinize applications, especially for pregnant women. The heightened scrutiny and potential visa denials are part of broader efforts to curb birth tourism, with government regulations now focusing on the intent of travelers and their financial ability to cover medical costs. As a result, many families in these countries are facing increased challenges in securing tourist visas, and the practice continues to be under growing scrutiny. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the crackdown and its impact on various countries.

South Korea: Heightened Awareness and Increased Scrutiny

South Korea has seen a significant rise in the number of pregnant women traveling abroad to give birth, with the US being a common destination. This trend is particularly noticeable in urban centers like Seoul, where the practice has become more widely known and discussed. Many South Koreans see birth tourism as a means of providing their children with the advantages of US citizenship, such as access to top-tier education and healthcare. In response, the US Embassy in South Korea has implemented stricter measures, requiring consular officers to scrutinize visa applications more carefully, especially for pregnant women. Although the practice persists, it is facing more challenges due to the increased attention and tougher visa requirements.

Japan: A Subtle Rise in Birth Tourism

While Japan has not seen the same widespread trend in birth tourism as some other countries, there has been a subtle rise in the practice among the wealthier segments of society. With a strong desire for their children to have access to international opportunities, some Japanese families have started traveling to the US to give birth, securing US citizenship for their children. This practice is seen as a way to provide better prospects for the next generation, particularly in terms of educational and professional opportunities. The US Embassy in Japan has become more vigilant in scrutinizing tourist visa applications, especially for pregnant women. While birth tourism is not as prominent as in some other countries, the US consulate in Japan has tightened regulations, ensuring that applicants’ intentions are carefully assessed. Despite the more stringent rules, the appeal of US citizenship remains an enticing option for a select group of Japanese families.

China: A Growing Trend in East Asia

China has become one of the most notable countries in East Asia for birth tourism, with a growing number of Chinese citizens traveling to the US and other countries to give birth. The practice, while not widely discussed in mainstream media, has become increasingly common among affluent families seeking to secure US citizenship for their children. This is perceived as a way to provide better education, healthcare, and future opportunities. The US Embassy in China has responded by tightening visa rules and enforcing stricter scrutiny on applicants. This is particularly true for those who are suspected of entering the US for birth tourism, with consular officers closely assessing the intent of each applicant. Despite the challenges, the desire for US citizenship remains strong among certain segments of the population.

India: A Popular Destination for Birth Tourism

India, with its large and diverse population, has also been affected by the rise in birth tourism, particularly among the affluent classes. For many families, sending a pregnant woman to the US to give birth is seen as a way to secure a better future for their child through US citizenship. The US Embassy in India has responded by tightening visa requirements and increasing the scrutiny of tourist visa applications, especially when the intent of travel appears to be for birth tourism. Despite these measures, birth tourism remains a popular practice, particularly in urban areas, where the perceived benefits of US citizenship are highly valued. Many still view the process as a means to access better opportunities for their children, making it an ongoing trend.

Pakistan: Increasing Demand Amidst Stricter Rules

In Pakistan, birth tourism has been gaining traction, particularly among the wealthier segments of society. With the desire to offer their children the opportunities that come with US citizenship, many Pakistani families are seeking to travel to the US to give birth. This trend is especially prevalent in cities like Karachi and Lahore, where social networks and word of mouth play a significant role in encouraging the practice. The US Embassy in Pakistan has been increasingly vigilant in scrutinizing visa applications, particularly for pregnant women, with many being denied entry if birth tourism is suspected. While the tightening of visa rules has created hurdles, the demand for birth tourism remains strong, fueled by the desire for better prospects for the next generation.

Bangladesh: A Growing Trend in South Asia

In Bangladesh, the practice of birth tourism is on the rise, particularly among those who can afford it. The perception of a better future through US citizenship drives many families to seek opportunities to have their children born in the US. The US Embassy in Dhaka has responded by enforcing stricter visa policies, especially for pregnant women, and carefully examining the intent behind their travel. Despite these stricter policies, birth tourism continues to be a significant trend, with many Bangladeshis seeking to secure US citizenship for their children. The growing awareness of the potential benefits of US citizenship has made this practice increasingly common in urban areas, where the desire for better opportunities is high.

Key Aspects of the Birth Tourism Crackdown

The U.S. government has intensified its crackdown on birth tourism, focusing on foreign nationals traveling on tourist visas to give birth and secure U.S. citizenship for their child. Tourist visa applications will be denied if birth tourism is suspected. Consular officers are now required to scrutinize applicants’ intentions more carefully. If traveling for medical purposes, the applicant must justify the need and demonstrate the financial ability to cover medical costs. This crackdown is part of broader immigration reforms, with criminal charges often brought against those operating or participating in birth tourism schemes.

South Korea joins Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and others in facing stricter U.S. visa scrutiny and cancellations as the government cracks down on birth tourism, tightening regulations to curb the practice.

Conclusion

South Korea, along with Japan, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other countries, now faces stricter U.S. visa scrutiny and cancellations as the U.S. government continues its crackdown on birth tourism. These tighter regulations aim to curb the growing trend of foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. to secure citizenship for their children. As a result, applicants from these countries are encountering more challenges in obtaining tourist visas, with increased scrutiny on their intent and financial ability to cover medical expenses. The crackdown underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to tightening immigration policies while addressing birth tourism concerns.