US Narrows Visa Access for Palestinian Passport Holders Amid Growing Tensions

Sat Sep 13 2025 10:58:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The United States has reportedly suspended most visitor visas for individuals holding Palestinian passports, impacting a wide range of potential travelers. The move follows increasing tensions in the region and recent visa denials ahead of the UN General Assembly.

US officials have implemented a new directive to deny visitor visas to almost all holders of Palestinian passports, following similar restrictions earlier this month. This decision affects Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank, requiring additional scrutiny for visa applications. The State Department cites national security as the basis for this directive, while critics highlight the implications for diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.

The United States has further restricted visitor visas for Palestinians, denying them to nearly all applicants who use a Palestinian passport, according to media reports.

This development comes on the heels of recent visa denials for 80 Palestinian officials ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Earlier in August, the US had paused visitor visas for people wishing to travel from the Palestinian territory of Gaza, but this latest measure extends restrictions to a broader demographic, including those residing in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Department of State did not confirm the recent action in explicit terms but stated it was taking concrete steps in compliance with US law and our national security.

The decision, detailed in a diplomatic cable dated August 18, instructs US consular officers to deny non-immigrant visas to all otherwise eligible Palestinian Authority passport holders, a communication reported by the New York Times and CNN.

This ruling would hinder Palestinian travelers from visiting the US for various purposes, such as business, education, or medical care.

Previously, the Trump administration's visa policies had mandated a further review of each Palestinian applicant, which effectively amounts to a blanket ban for those seeking visas.

Reportedly, Palestinians who can apply for visas using other passports are not impacted by this directive.

The motivations behind this visa prohibition are largely speculative. The Trump administration has consistently voiced robust support for Israel's military operations against Hamas in Gaza, which has exacerbated humanitarian crises.

This approach arrives concurrently with growing recognition of Palestinian statehood by some US allies, including the UK, Canada, and France, with US Vice President JD Vance asserting that the US has no plans to recognize a Palestinian state.

Additionally, this recent decision follows multiple previous measures aimed at tightening the visa process, particularly affecting Palestinians. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is among those who were recently barred from attending the upcoming UN General Assembly, following accusations that his administration was undermining peace efforts.

A specific pause on visa approvals for Palestinians from Gaza was announced by the Department of State on August 16, pending a review due to security concerns.

The visa situation is reflective of broader geopolitical tensions following significant conflict events, notably a deadly attack by Hamas that left over 1,200 people dead and initiated a subsequent Israeli military offensive. The US visa policy now effectively extends to encompass those from the West Bank and a wider Palestinian diaspora.

In response to inquiries about this recent move, a State Department spokesperson reiterated that visa decisions are intrinsically tied to national security interests, noting that each application is carefully vetted according to these parameters.