The United States recently announced the renewal of existing restrictions on visa issuance and entry for nationals of numerous countries. The list of nations subject to these limitations includes Libya, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Burundi, Burma, Chad, Turkmenistan, Togo, the Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Venezuela, Cuba, Laos, Yemen, Haiti, and Iran.
The US Embassy in Libya clarified that these restrictions fall under the provisions of a Presidential Proclamation aimed at protecting national security and public safety. The Embassy confirmed that citizens from these countries can still submit visa applications and attend interviews. Still, they face the potential of being deemed ineligible for a visa or entry into US territory, based on the security discretion of the relevant authorities.
This update reflects the continued stringency in American domestic security procedures, particularly as scrutiny intensifies regarding the backgrounds of applicants originating from countries classified as posing potential security risks. The decision is an extension of Washington’s ongoing policies for selecting eligible categories for immigration or visitor visas, which entails a periodic review of the restricted country lists.
The announcement coincided with the US finalising preparations to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted with Canada and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July. This edition is set to be historic as the first to feature 48 participating teams, up from 32. As part of comprehensive security plans for the world’s largest sporting event, US authorities are intensifying security measures alongside logistical and organisational efforts designed to guarantee the safety of delegations and fans arriving from across the globe.
