Urgent: U.S. Entry Restrictions Effective January 1, 2026
Dear Penn Community,
The White House issued a Proclamation (Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals) on December 16, 2025, imposing new entry restrictions into the U.S. for nationals of certain countries, effective 12:01 a.m. (ET), January 1, 2026. Many students and scholars are traveling now, so it is important to understand these updates.
What Changed
As of January 1, nationals of the following countries will be subject to continuing, new and/or modified restrictions and/or limitations on entry into the U.S., with specifics as noted below. Please note: If you are a national of the countries listed in bold, please read this email carefully for critical updates.
| Restriction | Affected Countries | Notes / Exceptions |
| Full | Afghanistan; Burma (Myanmar); Burkina Faso; Chad; Republic of the Congo; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Haiti; Iran; Laos; Libya; Mali; Niger; Palestinian Authority; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Sudan; Sudan; Syria; Yemen | Applies to immigrant and nonimmigrant entry. Palestinian Authority–issued documents are also restricted. |
| Partial | Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Benin; Burundi; Cuba; Côte d’Ivoire; Dominica; Gabon; The Gambia; Malawi; Mauritania; Nigeria; Senegal; Tanzania; Togo; Tonga; Venezuela; Zambia; Zimbabwe | The validity period of any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of these countries may be shortened. |
| Modified | Turkmenistan | Nonimmigrant entry allowed (F, J visas); immigrant entry remains suspended. |
Who Is Affected
Generally, the restrictions apply to individuals who:
- Are outside the U.S., and
- Do not have a valid U.S. visa on January 1, 2026
Travel Guidance
- Avoid non-essential international travel
- Be aware that visa or immigration benefits may be subject to increased review
- Final admission is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry
Next Steps
- Consult your ISSS advisor before traveling internationally
- Monitor your Penn email for updates
- Visit the ISSS Immigration Policy Updates and Resources website that includes a FAQ section with detailed information.
- Read the White House Proclamation and Fact Sheet
If you are not from a listed country, no immediate action is required; this notice is intended to ensure that Penn community has accurate information and knows how to reach ISSS if travel plans may be affected.
We understand that these developments may create stress and disruption. Please know that we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to share updates as they become available. If you have any concerns or need guidance, please do not hesitate to reach out to International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS). We are here to support you.
For questions, contact me at rudiea@upenn.edu
Sincerely,
Rudie Altamirano, Ph.D.