Global Travel Disruption As US Pauses Visa Processing In 75 Countries

Global travel plans have been thrown into disarray following the decision by the United States government to temporarily pause visa processing in 75 countries, sparking widespread concern among travellers, students, businesses and foreign governments.

The US Department of State confirmed that the suspension affects several non-immigrant and immigrant visa categories, citing the need for an extensive review of security, documentation systems and consular workloads. The pause, which took effect immediately, is expected to last several weeks, though officials did not provide a definitive timeline for full resumption.

The development has triggered uncertainty for thousands of prospective travellers, including tourists, students with pending admissions, and professionals scheduled for conferences or employment in the United States. Airlines and travel agencies across affected regions reported a surge in cancellations and rescheduling requests as applicants scrambled to understand the implications of the policy.

According to US officials, the move is part of broader efforts to streamline visa operations, address staffing shortages at embassies, and enhance vetting procedures. “This is a temporary but necessary step to ensure the integrity and efficiency of our visa system,” a State Department spokesperson said, adding that emergency and diplomatic visas may still be processed on a case-by-case basis.

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Several governments have expressed concern over the decision, warning that prolonged delays could hurt bilateral relations and economic ties. Education advocates also fear that international students may miss enrollment deadlines, while businesses dependent on cross-border mobility could face disruptions.

In Africa, Asia and parts of Latin America, where many of the affected countries are located, the announcement has been met with frustration. Some applicants who had already completed interviews said their passports were returned without visas, while others reported abrupt cancellations of scheduled appointments.

Travel analysts say the suspension could have ripple effects on global tourism and trade, particularly if it extends into peak travel seasons. The United States remains one of the world’s top destinations for international students and business travellers.

The US government has advised applicants to monitor embassy websites for updates and refrain from making non-refundable travel arrangements until visa services resume fully.