Summary
Many U.S. embassies and consulates have stopped processing visas in parts of the Middle East and South Asia due to ongoing security concerns related to conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. This suspension could lead to big visa backlogs, affecting tens of thousands of people seeking U.S. visas in these regions. The United States has tightened rules requiring most visa applicants to apply from their home country, which limits their options further due to these closures.
Key Facts
- U.S. embassies and consulates in countries like Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have paused visa services.
- This action has stopped thousands of visa appointments, potentially affecting 40,000 to 60,000 applicants each week.
- Experts say backlogs could reach 150,000 to 200,000 pending visa cases if closures persist.
- Reasons for the closures include security concerns related to conflicts involving Iran.
- In March 2025, thousands of nonimmigrant visas were issued in impacted countries, showing the regular demand.
- Major U.S. consular operations have also halted in cities like Karachi, Lahore, Baghdad, and Beirut.
- The U.S. State Department now requires most visa applicants to apply in their home country, further limiting their options.
- Turkey is the only country in the region currently processing visas without major interruptions.
