Advisory Guidance on New U.S. Entry Restrictions
This advisory is intended for Penn administrators, faculty, department staff, and campus partners who support international students, scholars, and employees. It provides context and guidance related to a new White House Proclamation issued on December 16, 2025, establishing expanded restrictions on entry into the United States for nationals of certain countries, effective January 1, 2026.
ISSS is issuing this guidance to support coordinated, accurate advising and to help departments anticipate potential impacts on academic programs, employment, travel, and research activities.
Overview of the Proclamation
The Proclamation establishes full or partial entry restrictions for nationals of designated countries, citing national security and vetting concerns.
The restrictions primarily apply to individuals who:
• Are outside the United States, and
• Do not have a valid U.S. visa as of January 1, 2026
Individuals already inside the U.S. are not subject to entry restrictions while remaining in the country.
Individuals Generally Not Affected
Based on the Proclamation, the following groups are generally not subject to the new entry restrictions:
• Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
• Individuals currently inside the United States
• Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country
• Certain diplomatic, international organization, and special visa categories
• Other limited exceptions outlined in the Proclamation
Important: The Proclamation’s operative trigger is whether an individual lacks a valid visa on the effective date. Visa validity alone does not guarantee admission, and inspection decisions remain discretionary.
Countries Subject to Entry Restrictions
Full Entry Restrictions
Nationals of the following countries are subject to suspension of entry as both immigrants and nonimmigrants, with limited exceptions:
Afghanistan; Burma (Myanmar); Burkina Faso; Chad; Republic of the Congo; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Haiti; Iran; Laos; Libya; Mali; Niger; Sierra Leone; Somalia; South Sudan; Sudan; Syria; Yemen
Additionally, individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority–issued or endorsed travel documents are subject to full entry restrictions.
Partial Entry Restrictions
Nationals of the following countries may face suspension of entry on certain visa categories (including B-1/B-2, F, M, and J) and/or reduced visa validity:
Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Benin; Burundi; Cuba; Côte d’Ivoire; Dominica; Gabon; The Gambia; Malawi; Mauritania; Nigeria; Senegal; Tanzania; Togo; Tonga; Venezuela; Zambia; Zimbabwe
Note: Restrictions on Turkmenistan have been modified. Nonimmigrant entry (including F and J visas) is now permitted, while immigrant entry remains suspended.
Travel and Programmatic Implications for Penn
• Non-essential international travel should be deferred for individuals who may be impacted, particularly those with pending visa applications or upcoming travel plans.
• Even individuals with valid visas may experience additional screening or review at ports of entry.
• Admission decisions are made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry.
• Departments should anticipate possible delays in arrivals, disruptions to academic or research plans, and increased advising needs.
Guidance for Departments and Campus Partners
ISSS recommends that departments:
• Encourage affected individuals to consult ISSS before traveling internationally
• Avoid making time-sensitive assumptions related to arrivals, start dates, or return travel
• Refer immigration-related questions directly to ISSS rather than providing individualized immigration advice
• Coordinate closely with ISSS if a student, scholar, or employee reports travel concerns or delays
ISSS Support and Next Steps
ISSS is actively monitoring federal guidance and assessing impacts on the Penn community. We will continue to share updates as additional information becomes available and will provide individualized advising to affected students and scholars.
Questions from departments or campus partners may be directed to:
Dr. Rudie Altamirano
Executive Director, International Student and Scholar Services
rudiea@upenn.edu