The Department of State (DOS) recently updated the visa reciprocity schedules for over 50 countries, significantly reducing the validity period of nonimmigrant visas. Foreign nationals from impacted countries will now be issued visas only for a period of 3 months and for a single entry, including B (tourist), F (student), H (specialty occupation temporary worker), J (exchange visitor), M (student), and O (extraordinary ability) visas. Previously, nonimmigrant visa validity periods may have been 12 months (or longer) and for multiple entries.
The DOS visa reciprocity schedules provide specific rules regarding the visa validity periods for foreign nationals entering the United States that cover the duration of the visa, the number of entries allowed on the visa, and corresponding fees. These are based on what that respective country provides to U.S. citizens for the same purpose of travel with the goal of equity and benefitting U.S. travelers and businesses.
It is important to note that foreign nationals with multiple citizenships are subject to the corresponding reciprocity schedule of the country that issued the passport used for the visa application. Visas issued prior to a change in reciprocity should not be impacted and retain their original validity.
Foreign nationals from the countries listed below are impacted:
| Afghanistan | Angola | Benin | Bhutan | Burkina Faso |
| Burma/Myanmar | Burundi | Cabo Verde | Cambodia | Cameroon |
| Chad | China | Comoros | Cote D’Ivoire | Republic of Congo |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | Cuba | Eritrea | Ethiopia | Equatorial Guinea |
| Gambia | Ghana | Guinea-Bissau | Haiti | Iran |
| Kyrgyzstan | Laos | Libya | Papua New Guinea | Madagascar |
| Malawi | Micronesia | Nauru | Niger | Nigeria |
| Palau | Sao Tome and Principe | Sierra Leone | Somalia | South Sudan |
| Sudan | Syria | Tanzania | Timor-Leste | Togo |
| Tonga | Turkmenistan | Tuvalu | Uganda | Vanuatu |
| Venezuela | Yemen | Zambia | Zimbabwe |
The DOS has not yet updated its website tracking these changes.
Additionally, foreign nationals should be mindful of the full and partial Travel Ban issued on June 4, 2025, by the Trump administration that also impacts their ability to be issued a visa. Notably, the Trump administration has hinted at expanding the list of countries subject to either the full or partial bans which may include additional countries above, if not already impacted.
If you are a national of one of the affected countries or hold multiple citizenships, and are concerned about how the visa reciprocity changes may impact your travel or immigration plans, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys. Our team is here to help you understand your options and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.
The material contained in this alert does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. An attorney-client relationship is not presumed or intended by receipt or review of this presentation. The information provided should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.
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