The US Department of State is suspending all visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Russia, as part of tighter screening procedures.

The US Department of State is suspending all visa processing procedures for citizens of 75 countries as part of tighter screening of applicants.

The list of countries includes Russia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen, and others.

The order will take effect on 21 January.

The restrictions are being introduced for an indefinite period until the State Department completes a reassessment of visa processing.

In November 2025, the US Department of State circulated guidance to consular officers to introduce new screening rules.

Consular staff are ordered to refuse visas to applicants who are believed to rely on public benefits from the US government.

Among measures under consideration is a proposal to require tourists to grant border officials access to their social media posts from the past five years.

In May, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Trump administration plans to revoke visas of Chinese students with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in strategically important fields.

The United States has suspended immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, including Russia and Belarus but not Ukraine.