US Pauses Visa Processing for 75 Countries: Implications for International Travel and Tourism

WASHINGTON (TRI) — The U.S. State Department has announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, effective January 21, 2026, in a move aimed at tightening scrutiny under existing immigration laws. This decision, detailed in an internal memo, could significantly disrupt global tourism flows, business travel, and family visits to the United States, affecting millions of potential visitors from diverse regions including Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The pause comes amid efforts to reassess screening and vetting procedures, specifically targeting applicants deemed likely to become a “public charge” — meaning those who might rely on public benefits such as welfare, long-term medical care, or other government assistance. According to the memo, consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates are instructed to deny visas based on a broad range of factors, including health conditions, age, English proficiency, financial stability, and even potential future needs for institutionalization or cash assistance. For instance, older applicants, those considered overweight, or individuals with a history of using government benefits could face heightened barriers.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott emphasized the rationale in a statement: “The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people.” He added, “Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”

The public charge provision, part of U.S. immigration law for decades, has seen varying enforcement levels across administrations, but this action represents a sweeping revival aimed at curbing perceived exploitation of public resources.

Exceptions to the pause will be “very limited” and granted only after applicants clear public charge evaluations, the memo states. No specific timeline has been provided for the reassessment, leaving uncertainty for travelers, tour operators, and the broader tourism industry, which relies heavily on international visitors. In 2025, the U.S. welcomed over 80 million international tourists, contributing trillions to the economy through spending on hotels, attractions, and transportation — sectors that could face setbacks if visa barriers persist.

The affected countries span multiple continents, reflecting a broad geographic impact. Below is the complete list of 75 nations where visa processing will be halted:

Tourism experts warn that the pause may lead to a ripple effect: reduced visitor numbers could strain airlines, hotels, and attractions still recovering from pandemic-era losses. For instance, popular U.S. destinations like Disney World, the Grand Canyon, and New York City often see high traffic from affected countries, with Brazilian tourists alone spending billions annually. The move also arrives just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., potentially complicating attendance for fans from nations like Brazil and Uruguay.

While the State Department frames this as a procedural review to uphold immigration integrity, critics argue it disproportionately impacts low-income applicants and could hinder cultural diversity in American tourism. The department’s November 2025 cable had already signaled stricter enforcement, instructing officers to apply the public charge rule more rigorously.

As the pause takes effect, travelers from these countries are advised to monitor official updates closely. Non-immigrant visas, such as those for temporary tourism or business (B-1/B-2), may still be processed on a case-by-case basis, but applicants should prepare for delays and enhanced scrutiny.