Washington, 24 December 2025.- On 20 December, the United States announced the total or partial suspension of the issuance of visas for nationals of 39 countries, including Haiti, effective 1 January 2026, for reasons of national security. Only limited exceptions will be retained.
In accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10998, the State Department will suspend the entry into the United States of foreign nationals from 39 countries, Haiti is among the most affected. The measure concerns all types of visas, immigrants and non-immigrants, placing Haiti alongside countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Syria and Yemen. Washington's goal is to strengthen national and public security.
Strictly framed exceptions
Despite the total suspension, certain categories of travellers remain authorized: holders of diplomatic or official visas, legal permanent residents, binationals travelling with another passport, beneficiaries of special immigrant visas (SIVs) and participants in certain international sporting events. However, these exceptions remain very limited and strictly controlled.
Conditions of application and extension of previous measure
The proclamation states that it applies only to nationals outside the United States on 1 January 2026 without a valid visa. Visas already issued before that date will not be revoked or cancelled. This decision extends and reinforces the previous proclamation 10949, which concerned 19 countries, by introducing more stringent verification procedures to prevent the entry of persons deemed to be at risk.
Haitian nationals can still apply for a visa and get an appointment at the embassy or consulate, but delivery is not guaranteed. This measure could have a significant impact on international mobility and exchanges between Haiti and the United States, while raising concerns among travellers and families concerned.
W.A.
