Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – According to a new executive order signed by US President Donald Trump, the United States will completely suspend the issuance of visas to Lao citizens holding ordinary passports, effective January 1, 2026. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a notice advising its citizens not to apply for the relevant visas.
It is understood that the executive order was signed on December 16, 2025. Laos is one of the 19 countries included in this comprehensive visa restriction, previously subject only to partial visa restrictions. Under the new regulations, Lao citizens holding ordinary passports will not be able to obtain US visas for any purpose, including tourism, business, work, training, study, and participation in internships, seminars, exchange programs, and other activities.
Family-based immigration applications will also be affected, including applications from spouses, fiancés, adopted children, and other relatives. The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified in a press release that the US will not process visa applications of these categories during the restriction period; the US government has also warned Lao citizens not to submit visa applications or pay related fees during this period, as the risk of visa refusal is extremely high, and fees already paid may not be refunded.
It is worth noting that Lao citizens holding diplomatic and official passports are not subject to this ban and can still travel to the United States for specific reasons, including handling diplomatic affairs, attending international conferences, and other official activities, provided they obtain approval from the host country.
This visa suspension marks a significant tightening of US entry policies and is expected to have a significant impact on educational cooperation, family ties, and people-to-people exchanges between Laos and the United States.
