Consular Processing / State Department · February 2, 2026
Travel Proclamation 2026: Which Visas Are Suspended and Who May Still Qualify for Exceptions
Key takeaway
The Department of State published a February 2, 2026 page implementing suspension of visa issuance to certain foreign nationals under the late-2025 proclamation framework, including Proclamation 10998 published December 19, 2025. The DOS implementation page—not media summaries—de
The Department of State published a February 2, 2026 page implementing suspension of visa issuance to certain foreign nationals under the late-2025 proclamation framework, including Proclamation 10998 published December 19, 2025. The DOS implementation page—not media summaries—describes which nationals and visa types are affected and how consular posts should apply the policy.
Last reviewed June 11, 2026
Key takeaway
DOS’s February 2, 2026 visa-issuance suspension page implements the late-2025 proclamation framework. Covered nationals should verify passport nationality, visa class, and official exceptions on travel.state.gov before travel or interview plans.
Proclamation Text vs. DOS Implementation
Proclamation 10998 appeared in the Federal Register on December 19, 2025. The February 2, 2026 DOS page operationalizes visa-issuance suspensions for consular officers.
Readers should use both documents: the proclamation for legal scope and the DOS page for consular practice.
Visa Issuance Suspension in Plain English
DOS states that visa issuance to covered foreign nationals is suspended under the described national-security framework. Suspension of issuance is not the same as cancellation of every pending petition or interview in all cases—read the page for your nationality and visa class.
Waivers and exceptions, if any, appear in official proclamation and DOS text. Do not assume an exception applies without verifying official language.
What to Save Before an Interview
Save CEAC screenshots, appointment confirmations, and any post emails.
If a consular officer issues a written refusal or administrative processing notice, keep the exact wording.
Who may be affected
Nationals of countries listed on the official DOS suspension page seeking new visa issuance, and family members planning consular processing.
Who may not be affected
People already inside the United States in valid status without needing a new visa foil, applicants explicitly exempt on the official pages, and cases where DOS states interviews may continue even if issuance is paused (verify on the specific DOS guidance for your visa class).
What To Do Next
- Read the DOS suspension page and Proclamation 10998 Federal Register entry.
- Confirm which passport nationality you will use at the consulate.
- Save all appointment and CEAC status screenshots.
- Do not book travel until a visa foil is actually issued unless counsel reviews your case.
- If refused, preserve the refusal sheet and ask which INA section was cited.
- Track federal court orders that may affect implementation—but verify scope before relying on them.
What to do next
- Save the full notice, receipt, envelope, and any deadline exactly as written.
- Write a short timeline with dates, agency names, court or facility names, and prior filings.
- If ICE, court, detention, an RFE, NOID, denial, or a close deadline is involved, start intake and mark the issue urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which official page controls consular practice?
The Department of State February 2, 2026 suspension-of-visa-issuance page linked from travel.state.gov visas news.
What is Proclamation 10998?
A December 19, 2025 presidential proclamation restricting entry of certain foreign nationals, published in the Federal Register.
Are all visa types suspended for listed countries?
Scope appears on the official DOS and proclamation text. Do not generalize beyond those documents.
Can interviews still happen?
Some DOS pages distinguish interviews from issuance. Read the guidance for your specific visa category.
What about dual nationals?
Prepare documentation for the nationality and passport you will use at the consulate.
Does suspension affect people already in the U.S.?
Impacts vary by status and travel plans. Do not travel without reviewing visa foil, status, and official policy.
Are waivers available?
Only if official proclamation or DOS text provides a waiver path for your facts.
How does this relate to USCIS holds?
Consular suspensions and USCIS adjudication pauses are separate policies. See our federal court ruling explainer for USCIS hold litigation.
What if I already had a visa in my passport?
Existing visas may still raise travel-risk questions depending on status, proclamation scope, and CBP inspection. Seek case-specific review before travel.
Should I withdraw my immigrant petition?
Do not abandon petitions based on headlines. Review notices and counsel first.
Does this page guarantee entry?
No. General information only—not legal advice.
Sources & Further Reading
Need help understanding your notice or deadline?
Start intake with the notice, deadline, A-number or receipt number if available, and the safest callback number. The firm reviews the request before confirming next steps.