Fox News: US suspends visa processing for 75 countries, including Russian citizens
Visa to the USA (Illustrative photo: freepik)

The US State Department has stopped processing visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Russia. About this reports Fox News, citing a State Department memo that was obtained.

The media outlet did not name the full list of countries, but reported that it includes Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and others. Visas will stop being issued on January 21 for an indefinite period.

The memo instructs consular officers to deny visas in accordance with current law while the department reviews its vetting and screening procedures. These citizens will reportedly be dependent on public assistance in the United States.

It is expected that a wide range of factors will be taken into account when refusing, including health status, age, English language skills, financial situation, and even the potential need for long-term medical care.

"The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would be a burden to the United States and abuse the generosity of the American people," State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott said in a statement.

UPDATE at 19:35. Fox News has corrected the information to clarify that it is a suspension of immigrant visas. Tourist and visitor visas are likely to continue to be issued.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cuba Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Mongolia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uganda, Syria, and Togo.

  • In August 2025, the United States announced an inspection 55 million visa holders. Violators were to be deported from the country.
  • In September, America said that cancel the visa the president of Colombia was criticized for his statements on Palestine.