US Travel Tightens in 2026: Visas Restricted for 39 Countries, Immigration Fees Increase

The United States government is implementing major changes to its visa and immigration policies, effective from 1 January 2026. These policies include a ban on issuing visas to citizens from 39 countries, as well as increases in several immigration service fees. According to Travel and Tour World, this represents one of the most significant alterations to the US immigration system in recent years, affecting students, foreign workers, and tourists. In total, 39 countries are impacted with varying levels of restrictions, including full bans and partial bans. For countries under full bans, all visa issuances—whether for permanent residence or temporary visits—are halted. The policy is based on national security considerations, particularly regarding background check systems, identity verification, and international data-sharing cooperation. However, the rules do not apply to individuals already in the United States or those holding valid visas issued before 1 January 2026. The policy has elicited responses from several countries. Some African nations, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have reportedly introduced retaliatory measures against US citizens. Additionally, the policy is seen as potentially influencing global mobility, including travel for educational, professional, and tourism purposes. Some of these include: