United States Lifts Entry Restrictions for Turkmen Citizens Under Key Nonimmigrant Visa Categories
Washington, The Gulf Observer: The United States has lifted restrictions on entry for citizens of Turkmenistan under several nonimmigrant visa categories that had been imposed under a presidential proclamation issued in June 2025. The change is reflected in a revised White House proclamation published in December 2025.
According to the updated document, Turkmenistan has made notable progress in managing identification data and information sharing, and has strengthened constructive cooperation with U.S. authorities on security and migration control matters. In light of these developments, the previously applied entry restrictions have been reviewed and eased.
Under the revised proclamation, the suspension of entry to the United States for Turkmen citizens has been fully lifted for the following nonimmigrant visa categories: B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), B-1/B-2 (combined business and tourism), F (student), M (vocational training), and J (exchange visitor). These categories cover short-term business travel, tourism and family visits, academic studies, vocational training, and a wide range of educational, professional, and cultural exchange programs.
The decision enables Turkmen citizens to apply for visas and plan temporary travel to the United States under previously established procedures. U.S. authorities emphasized that general visa requirements and application processes remain unchanged.
However, restrictions on immigrant visas intended for permanent residence in the United States, including Green Cards, remain in effect. U.S. officials noted that further review of immigrant visa-related matters concerning Turkmenistan is ongoing.
