The United States has announced a temporary suspension of visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, including Rwanda, as part of a broader tightening of immigration controls introduced by President Donald Trump.
The decision, which will take effect on January 21, 2026, was confirmed by officials at the US Department of State and targets applicants seeking visas to work or permanently reside in the United States.
According to US authorities, the suspension will remain in force until a new visa issuance framework is finalised. The review is aimed at strengthening screening procedures, particularly to assess whether applicants can financially support themselves without relying on US government assistance.
A senior State Department official said the move follows internal directives to closely scrutinise the risk of applicants becoming a “public charge,” a consideration outlined in US immigration law.
The US government clarified that the suspension does not apply to student visas or tourist visas, meaning individuals travelling for education, short-term visits or leisure will not be affected. Officials added that the measure will not disrupt travel linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States in the summer of 2026.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the temporary suspension will stay in place as the department reviews and updates its visa policies.
“This decision allows time to assess and strengthen visa procedures to ensure new entrants are financially self-sufficient,” Pigott said.
The affected countries span Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. They include Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Haiti, Jamaica, Brazil, Russia, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan, among others.
US officials said further guidance will be issued once the revised visa framework is approved, signalling that the suspension could be lifted or adjusted depending on the outcome of the policy review.
The move is the latest in a series of immigration-related measures introduced by the Trump administration since late 2025, underscoring a renewed focus on border control, visa vetting and self-sufficiency requirements for foreign nationals seeking long-term entry into the United States.
