US suspends visa issuance for citizens of Russia and 74 other countries, Fox News reports

According to a State Department memo, consular officers have been instructed to refuse visas under existing law while the department reviews its applicant screening and selection procedures.

The list of affected countries includes Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, and Yemen. Fox News reports that the pause will begin on January 21 and remain in effect indefinitely until the review of visa processing procedures is completed.

"The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people," State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said.

He added that immigration from these 75 countries will be suspended while the department reviews immigration processing procedures to prevent foreign nationals from entering who might rely on public assistance and government support.

Journalists note that exceptions to the new suspension will be "very limited" and possible only after applicants are screened for compliance with public charge criteria.

The Russian Tourism Union has already stated that this decision has put tourist travel to the US on hold for an indefinite period.

New US visa rules

Starting in 2026, the US introduced an additional $250 fee for most non-immigrant visas, including tourist, student, work, and exchange visas.

The new payment, called the Visa Integrity Fee, was established under the One Big Beautiful Bill signed by President Donald Trump, and it does not apply to diplomatic visas in categories A and G.