Pakistan’s US Travel Restrictions: Possible Visa Limits and 60-Day Compliance Deadline
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- March 18, 2025
- 12:54 pm
- 39
- Current Affairs
Pakistan’s US travel restrictions may soon tighten as the country is placed on the “orange list.” It faces possible visa suspension unless it meets US security rules within 60 days.
Pakistan’s US travel restrictions may soon tighten. The Trump administration is considering new visa limits. A leaked memo outlines a three-tiered system affecting 41 countries. Pakistan is in a category that faces partial visa suspension unless it meets US security requirements within 60 days.
US Travel Ban Proposal: How It Works
The proposal divides countries into three groups based on restriction levels.
1. Full Visa Suspension
Ten countries will face a complete visa ban. Citizens from Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea cannot enter the US under any category.
2. Partial Visa Suspension
Five nations—Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan—will have limits on tourist, student, and some immigrant visas. Business travelers may still apply, but approvals will be strict.
3. Conditional Visa Suspension
A third group of 26 countries, including Pakistan, must improve security within 60 days. If not, they face a partial visa suspension. This list includes Belarus, Turkmenistan, and several African and Caribbean nations.
Why Pakistan Faces Travel Restrictions
US officials say national security is the reason. Some countries do not share enough intelligence, making it harder to check visa applicants.
Pakistan avoided the strictest “red list” due to its counterterrorism efforts. Its recent cooperation with the US, including the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, helped prevent a full visa ban. But Washington still wants stronger security measures.
Pakistan’s Response and Diplomatic Efforts
Pakistani officials say these restrictions are unfair. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that the government is working on a solution. He stated, “[The] government has raised the issue…it will be resolved within a week or ten days.”
Even with these talks, many Pakistani students, professionals, and families are worried. They fear visa delays, denials, and stricter screening at US embassies and airports.
Impact on Pakistani Nationals and US Relations
These restrictions could make travel harder for Pakistanis. Business travelers may still get visas, but tourists and immigrants could face long waits. The process will also be stricter, with mandatory in-person interviews.
US-Pakistan relations have been tense due to security issues. Some US officials see Pakistan as an important counterterrorism partner. Others believe tighter rules are needed. The next two months will decide if Pakistan can avoid more travel limits.
The State Department, Homeland Security, and the Justice Department will submit a final report soon. The Trump administration will review recommendations before making a decision.
