Applying for US Visa from UAE? 19 Countries Just Got Banned, Check If You’re Affected or Exempt

UAE residents Are Now Using This Tool To Check Travel Bans And Legal Cases Instantly

If you’re in the UAE and thinking about applying for a US visa, here’s the tea: as of Monday morning (June 9), some major travel restrictions just dropped. The country has hit pause on visa applications for citizens of certain countries – and yep, it could totally throw a wrench in your plans.

It’s all part of a new Presidential Proclamation that claims to “enhance national security” with tougher screening. But for many, it basically translates to: no visa, no entry. So if you’re from one of the affected countries, that American dream might need a serious rain check.

Who’s Affected? Citizens of 19 Countries, Read On!

Getting deja vu? You’re not alone. This is the latest reboot of Trump’s infamous travel ban from 2017: you know, the one that caused total airport chaos and months of courtroom drama. Now, 8+ years later, it’s back… and it’s broader.

Here’s the catch – this rule targets anyone outside the US who didn’t already have a valid US visa by Monday. So even if you’ve got your interview booked and your paperwork in order, you could still be turned away.

Already have a visa in hand? You’re safe, this won’t cancel it. But if you’re applying now and you’re from one of these 19 countries – you’re facing a very real brick wall.

Also read: Worried About Your Schengen Visa Getting Rejected? These 9 Countries Have Acceptance Rates As High As 93.4%

Full US Visa Freeze for These 12 Countries

Citizens from these 12 countries are currently completely blocked from getting both immigrant and non-immigrant US visas:

Afghanistan

Burma (Myanmar)

Chad

Republic of the Congo

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Haiti

Iran

Libya

Somalia

Sudan

Yemen

Partial US Visa Ban for These 7 Nations

For these countries, the ban is slightly less harsh, but still a serious hurdle. Business, tourist (nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas), F,M & J student and exchange, along with immigrant visas are restricted:

Burundi

Cuba

Laos

Sierra Leone

Togo

Turkmenistan

Venezuela

Not All Doors Are Closed: Who’s Exempt

A few groups are being granted exceptions. So don’t hit full panic mode just yet. Here’s who’s still allowed through:

Immediate relatives of US citizens (spouses, kids, parents)

US government employees and SIV holders

Adopted children of US citizens

Current Green Card holders (LPRs)

Members of ethnic minorities and those facing persecution in Iran

Dual nationals applying with an unaffected passport

Athletes in major international sporting events

So yes, there’s a sliver of hope, but only for very specific cases.

Check Before You Apply

If you’re in the UAE and hold a passport from one of the 19 listed countries, double-check your eligibility before investing time, money, and hope into a US visa application. This is not a soft rule. It’s official and effective now.