New U.S. travel and study restrictions: Two presidential proclamations explained
President Trump signed two major proclamations in June 2025 restricting U.S. visas for nationals of 19 countries and suspending student visas for Harvard. Key date: June 9.
On June 5, 2025, President Trump signed two major presidential proclamations restricting entry to the United States for certain foreign nationals and international students.
Travel bans for 19 nationalities
Effective June 9, 2025, a ban on the issuance of U.S. visas and entry into the United States will apply to nationals of 19 countries.
For twelve of them (Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen), the suspension applies to all immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. For the remaining seven countries (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela), the ban targets immigrant visas and certain nonimmigrant visas, including B-1, B-2, F, M and J.
Exceptions are provided for:
U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders);
Dual nationals traveling on passports from non-restricted countries;
Immediate family members of U.S. citizens, subject to conditions;
Athletes and accompanying staff for major sporting events;
Certain holders of diplomatic or special visas; and
Individuals whose entry is deemed to be in the national interest by U.S. authorities.
Visas issued before June 9, 2025, will not be revoked. Existing refugees and those granted asylum or protection from removal are not affected by this measure.
U.S. officials will review the list of affected countries on a continuing basis and may modify or expand it. Further guidance from the State Department on how to apply for exemptions is expected.
Six-month suspension of F, M and J student visas for Harvard
The second proclamation blocks, for at least six months from June 5, 2025, the issuance of F, M and J visas to foreign nationals seeking to begin studies at Harvard University. The measure is effective immediately. The proclamation also directs authorities to consider revoking F, M and J visas already held by Harvard students and to review the university’s continued participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which is required to host international students.
https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1925992269233995816/
Limited exceptions may apply for students whose entry is judged to be in the national interest, but operational details remain to be specified. Legal challenges to the proclamation are expected.
ESTA application updates
All travelers currently exempt from U.S. visas who must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will now be required to upload a digital photo. Requirements include a color image with a neutral background, and the photo must differ from the passport photo. A valid passport copy remains a mandatory supporting document. The new requirement is being rolled out in stages.
Current ESTA filing fee: 21 USD. According to a recent announcement, the fee may increase to 40 USD.
Countries whose nationals qualify for ESTA:
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
