The decision was made under Presidential Proclamation 10998, which aims to tighten visa and travel rules for foreign nationals from several countries, including Tanzania.
According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, the new restrictions affect multiple visa categories. These include non-immigrant visas such as B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), F and M (student visas), and J (exchange visitor visas), as well as immigrant visas, which are issued to individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States.
'In line with Presidential Proclamation 10998, as of January 1, 2026, the United States is partially suspending visa issuance to Tanzanian nationals for nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visas and F, M, J student and exchange visitor visas, and all immigrant visas, with limited exceptions,' the communique reads.
While Tanzanians may continue to apply for visas and attend embassy interviews, they may not be granted them, depending on security assessments and eligibility under the proclamation.
However, there are several exceptions to the suspension. For instance, immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran are exempt from the suspension. Tanzanians who hold dual nationality and apply with a passport from a country not subject to the ban will also not be affected.
Additionally, Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) are available for eligible U.S. government employees, and participants in major international sporting events may still be able to receive visas. Furthermore, Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) are also exempt from these restrictions.
The embassy also clarified that visas issued before the effective date (January 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. EST) will not be revoked. Nationals who already hold valid visas by that time will not lose them, though they could still face restrictions on future admissions depending on U.S. border policies.
The partial suspension comes amid broader visa and travel policy changes under the proclamation, which extends and expands earlier restrictions on foreign nationals from multiple countries. In total, the U.S. government has placed full or partial visa suspensions on citizens from 39 countries, citing ongoing concerns about security screening, vetting processes, and information sharing. Other countries facing similar partial restrictions include Nigeria, Angola, Cuba, Senegal, Zimbabwe, and others.
U.S. authorities say the measures are intended to enhance national security and public safety by strengthening the vetting of foreign travellers and ensuring that individuals admitted to the United States meet rigorous screening standards. The restrictions will remain in place until affected countries address identified deficiencies and improve cooperation on security protocols.
Rania Umutoni
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/u-s-partially-suspends-visas-for-tanzanian-nationals
