Limited Visa Suspension for Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Eritrea

As of September 13, 2017, the U.S. embassies in Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Eritrea have suspended the issuance of certain nonimmigrant visas to specified applicants until further notice, as follows:

• Cambodia: B visas will not be issued to employees of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the rank of Director General and above, or their families. The embassy has indicated that there are limited exceptions to the suspension, but has not provided details.

• Sierra Leone: B visas (temporary visitors for business or pleasure) will not be issued to Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials or immigration officials.

• Guinea (Conakry): B, F, J, and M visas will not be issued to Guinean government officials or their immediate family members. The embassy has indicated that there are limited exceptions to the suspension, but has not provided details.

• Eritrea: B visas will not be issued to citizens, subjects, nationals, and residents of Eritrea. The embassy has indicated that there are limited exceptions to the suspension, but has not provided details.

The embassies will continue to accept applications from and conduct interviews for individuals subject to the ban. However, embassies will be unable to issue a visa until the suspension is lifted; application fees will not be refunded.

What the Suspension Means

The Trump Administration has imposed these sanctions due to each country’s refusal to accept their deportees. The suspension is to be lifted once they accept their deportees. The suspension is limited to the categories and applicants listed above.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions about the visa suspension, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.