US embassies and consulates in six countries across the Middle East and South Asia have suspended visa processing indefinitely due to ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. The affected nations include Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, leaving thousands of visa applicants in limbo.
US Embassy Operations Halt Across Six Nations
The suspension affects all routine visa processing at American diplomatic missions in the region. The US Embassy in Kuwait City has completely suspended operations and canceled all consular appointments indefinitely, according to a US State Department security alert citing regional tensions and security concerns.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Affected Countries | Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia |
| Services Suspended | All routine visa processing and consular appointments |
| Duration | Indefinite suspension |
| Reason | Iran-Israel-US conflict and security concerns |
Tens of thousands of applicants might face indefinite waiting periods for new appointments if visa services remain suspended, according to experts quoted in the source report.
Impact on Indian Travelers and H-1B Applicants
While the current suspensions don’t directly affect Indian applicants applying from India, the situation compounds existing challenges for Indian visa seekers. Since September 2025, US visa rules mandate that all applicants must apply from their country of residence or nationality, eliminating the practice of seeking faster appointments in third countries.
For comprehensive guidance on US visa requirements and processes, Indian travelers should consult our US Visa Guide.
Notification Process for Affected Applicants
Visa applicants affected by the interview scheduling changes are being contacted via email with instructions for rescheduling. However, new interview dates have not been announced yet. The uncertainty extends beyond immediate cancellations, as commercial flight operations from international airports in the UAE remain limited, with potential for sudden closures or flight cancellations.
Changes in US Visa Application Rules
The current crisis highlights recent policy changes that have made US visa applications more restrictive. The US withdrew the interview waiver policy, commonly known as ‘Dropbox,’ for most foreign travelers seeking US visas. Previously, certain non-immigrant candidates could submit visa applications via mail or at designated locations without attending personal interviews.
Now, the majority of visa applicants must attend in-person interviews, making embassy closures particularly disruptive. Use our Interview Simulator to prepare for your US visa interview when services resume.
Ongoing Challenges for Indian H-1B Applicants
Indian H-1B visa applicants continue facing separate challenges beyond the Middle East situation. Since December 2025, visa appointments have been rescheduled, leaving Indian workers stranded. Some applicants have received rescheduled appointment dates extending beyond March, reaching into October or even 2027 in some cases, though no official update on the status has been provided.
Check current wait times and track processing delays with our Processing Times tool.
The suspension adds another layer of complexity to an already strained US visa system, particularly affecting applicants who had planned to travel through the affected regions or had family connections requiring consular services in these countries.
FAQ
Q: Which countries have suspended US visa processing? A: US embassies and consulates in Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have temporarily halted visa services due to regional tensions.
Q: How are affected visa applicants being notified? A: Visa applicants affected by interview scheduling changes are being contacted via email with rescheduling instructions, though new interview dates have not been announced yet.
Q: Can Indian applicants apply for US visas from these affected countries? A: No, since September 2025, US visa rules require all applicants to apply only from their country of residence or nationality. Indians must apply from India.
Q: Are there alternatives for urgent US visa applications? A: The US has withdrawn the interview waiver policy (Dropbox) for most travelers, making in-person interviews mandatory except for rare exceptions.
Source: US State Department