US Embassy notice
On Jan 27, US President Trump signed an Executive Order temporarily suspending entry into the United States of foreign nationals from seven countries under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This suspension provided for in the Executive Order will allow us to review current screening procedures, while protecting national security - our top priority when issuing visas.
The US government's national security visitor screening and vetting procedures are constantly reviewed and refined to improve security and more effectively identify individuals who could pose a threat to the United States. We welcome every opportunity to continue to review and improve our systems and procedures. We are reviewing the Executive Order and working closely with the Department of Homeland Security to implement it immediately.
Q: How will the Executive Order be implemented?
Under the Executive Order, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, will immediately conduct a review to ensure that the information available from a foreign country to be used in the processing of an application for a visa or other immigration benefit is adequate to uphold the integrity of the process. To allow for proper review and establishment of standards to prevent terrorist or criminal infiltration by foreign nationals, the Executive Order imposes on nationals of certain designated countries a 90-day bar on entry into the United States. This bar also includes a 90-day prohibition on visa issuance. These countries, as designated by Congress or the Secretary of Homeland Security, are: Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya and Yemen. We will announce any other changes affecting travelers to the United States as soon as that information is available.
Q: When will these changes take effect?
Beginning Jan 27, 2017, travelers who have nationality or dual nationality of one of these countries will not be permitted for 90 days to enter the United States or be issued an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. Those nationals or dual nationals holding valid immigrant or nonimmigrant visas will not be permitted to enter the United States during this period. Visa interviews will generally not be scheduled for nationals of these countries during this period.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the temporary bar on entry?
The Department of Homeland Security and Department of State may, on a case-bycase basis, and when in the national interest, issue visas or allow entry to nationals of countries for which visas and entry are otherwise blocked under this Executive Order. Q: Is the Executive Order permanently hindering foreign nationals from traveling to the United States? The US Government is committed to facilitating legitimate travel for international visitors while ensuring the security of US borders. As explained in the Executive Order, the suspension is one component of the initiative to ensure that adequate standards are established to prevent infiltration of foreign terrorists and criminals. In order to best protect US borders and the American people, the US government must ensure that those admitted to the United States do not pose a security risk or intend to exploit US immigration laws for malevolent purposes.
Q: Is the Department of State cancelling or revoking visas previously issued to these nationals?
Beginning Jan 27, 2017, travelers, who have nationality or dual nationality of one of these countries, will not be permitted for 90 days to enter the United States or be issued an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. Those nationals or dual nationals holding valid immigrant or nonimmigrant visas will not be permitted to enter the United States during this period. Visa interviews will generally not be scheduled for nationals of these countries during this period. Additionally, as such travelers will not be admitted to the United States under the Executive Order, and at the request of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State is provisionally revoking valid visas previously issued to any affected nationals.