The White House Announces Changes to the Visa Regime for Turkmenistan
The United States of America has revised the restrictions on the entry of citizens of Turkmenistan under certain categories of nonimmigrant visas that were introduced under a presidential proclamation issued in June 2025.
The corresponding changes are formalized in an updated White House proclamation published in December 2025.
The document emphasizes that since the issuance of Proclamation No. 10949, Turkmenistan has established constructive cooperation with the United States and demonstrated significant progress in improving identity management procedures and information-sharing mechanisms. These steps were positively assessed by the U.S. side and served as the basis for revising the previously imposed restrictions.
As a result of the progress achieved, the suspension of entry into the United States for citizens of Turkmenistan under nonimmigrant visa categories B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J has been lifted. Thus, the restrictions affecting temporary travel have been eased.
Visas Now Available Again
According to the updated proclamation, citizens of Turkmenistan may once again apply for and enter the United States under the following nonimmigrant visa categories:
• B-1 — business travel, participation in negotiations, conferences, and business meetings; • B-2 — tourism, visits to relatives, medical treatment, and other private purposes; • B-1/B-2 — combined visa for business and tourist travel; • F — study at accredited educational institutions in the United States; • M — vocational and technical training; • J — participation in educational, scientific, professional, and cultural exchange programs.
The lifting of restrictions signifies a return to the standard procedures for application processing and entry into the United States under the specified visa categories.
At the same time, the document notes that despite the progress achieved, certain issues remain unresolved. Consequently, the entry of citizens of Turkmenistan into the United States under immigrant visas intended for permanent residence, including obtaining lawful permanent resident status (Green Card), remains suspended. The U.S. side indicates that the review of this matter is ongoing.
ORIENT
