Foreign ministry affirms US visa restrictions

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the United States’ suspension of the issuance of all types of US immigrant and non-immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries including Laos.
A notice issued by the ministry on January 20 and posted on its website cites information from a notification released by the US Department of State. According to the notification, the visa restriction comes into force on January 21.
The ministry advises Lao citizens to be aware of this development and to refrain from submitting visa applications to the United States Embassy.
Under the current ruling, visa applications by ordinary Lao citizens will not be processed, and applicants will lose their application fee without receiving a visa.
The ministry said the suspension applies to all categories of visas for general passport holders.
However, Lao citizens holding diplomatic or official passports who intend to travel to the United States on diplomatic missions or official government duties, or to attend international meetings upon official invitation, may submit a visa application and expect approval under current regulations.
The suspension of US visa processing for ordinary Lao citizens is disrupting travel for tourism, education, business, and family visits, with students missing study opportunities and businesses facing delays in trade and investment engagement.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update January 22, 2026)