The Trump administration issued a visa proclamation that broadly restricts entry to the United States for citizens of 39 countries and individuals holding Palestinian Authority passports. Despite this, a new State Department cable sent to U.S. embassies and consulates has clarified that certain athletes and sports staff will be allowed to travel to the U.S. under narrow exemptions.
Who Is Exempt Under the New Sporting Event Policy?
According to the State Department guidance, the following individuals may qualify for an exception to the visa ban:
- Athletes, coaches, and essential support personnel participating in:
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup
- The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles
- Participants in “major sporting events” that are hosted, sanctioned, or endorsed by:
- U.S. National Governing Bodies for Olympic and Paralympic sports
- FIFA and its regional confederations
- The International Military Sports Council
- The International University Sports Federation
- The Special Olympics and related qualifying events
The cable specifically notes that these exemptions apply only to those directly involved in the competitions, such as athletes, coaches, and necessary team staff. It clearly excludes most foreign spectators, corporate sponsors, and many members of the media, unless they separately qualify for another visa exception or category.
Covered Events and Leagues
Beyond global competitions like the World Cup and Olympic Games, the policy lists a wide range of professional and amateur sports organizations whose events may allow limited travel for foreign participants despite the visa restrictions.
The exemptions extend to official events and competitions hosted or endorsed by:
- Olympic & Paralympic Movement
- Olympic Games (all competitions and qualifiers)
- Paralympic Games (all competitions and qualifiers)
- Pan-American Games
- Para Pan-American Games
- Special Olympics (including qualifying events)
- U.S. Collegiate & University Sports
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
- International University Sports Federation events
- Professional Sports Leagues & Organizations
- National Football League (NFL)
- National Basketball Association (NBA)
- Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)
- Major League Soccer (MLS)
- Major League Rugby
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- PGA Tour (Professional Golf Association)
- LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
- LIV Golf
- Little League Baseball and Softball
- World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
- All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
The State Department also indicated that additional events and leagues may be added in the future, suggesting an evolving list of exemptions.
Who Is Still Barred from Travel?
While the sporting event exceptions are notable, they are also very narrow. For most travelers from the affected regions, the visa ban still applies in full force.
Countries Subject to a Full Travel Ban
Citizens of the following countries, as well as individuals with Palestinian Authority passports, are subject to a full travel ban unless they qualify for a specific exemption like those tied to major sporting events:
- Afghanistan
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Laos
- Libya
- Mali
- Myanmar
- Niger
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
- Palestinian Authority passport holders
Countries Subject to a Partial Travel Ban
A partial ban – often involving tighter vetting, limits on certain visa categories, or additional restrictions – applies to citizens of:
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Senegal
- Tanzania
- Tonga
- Togo
- Venezuela
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
For individuals from these countries, travel may still be possible in some categories, but the rules are complex and can change quickly.
What This Means for Healthcare Employers and International Nurses
Although this particular policy centers on major sporting events, it reflects a broader trend in U.S. immigration: targeted visa bans combined with narrow, sector-specific exceptions.
For healthcare organizations that depend on international nurses, this environment creates several challenges:
1. Increased Uncertainty in Workforce Planning
Visa bans and travel restrictions can disrupt recruitment pipelines from certain regions, especially if nurses come from countries listed under full or partial bans.
2. Patchwork Exemptions and Complex Rules
Just as athletes receive special exemptions for a limited purpose, certain healthcare professionals may qualify for exceptions or alternative pathways (e.g., specific work visas, humanitarian programs, or national interest waivers). Knowing which options apply requires careful legal analysis.
3. Longer Timelines for Nurse Visa Processing
Extra security checks, administrative processing, and changing consular procedures can extend the time it takes for an international nurse to secure a visa, making it more important than ever for healthcare employers to plan ahead.
4. Need for Strategic Immigration Planning
Hospitals and healthcare systems must evaluate where their international nurses are being recruited from and how U.S. policy changes may affect future staffing needs.
How VisaMadeEZ Supports Healthcare Organizations in This Climate
VisaMadeEZ focuses exclusively on immigration solutions for healthcare employers and international nurses, and we understand how fast-changing policies whether related to sports, security, or public health can impact your workforce strategy.
We help:
- Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics design recruitment plans that account for visa bans, country-specific restrictions, and processing backlogs.
- HR and talent acquisition teams identify which visa categories (such as immigrant visas for nurses, employment-based green cards, or other work-authorized pathways) are most realistic and efficient given current rules.
- International nurses navigate complex consular processes, documentation requirements, and scheduling challenges at U.S. embassies and consulates, especially in regions affected by heightened scrutiny.
Our services include:
- Case-by-case eligibility assessments for nurse visas
- Compliance guidance for healthcare employers sponsoring foreign nurses
- Monitoring of policy updates affecting nurse immigration and visa processing
- Strategic advice on diversifying recruitment sources to reduce risk from regional visa bans
Key Takeaways for Healthcare Employers
- The U.S. government has carved out narrow visa exemptions for athletes, coaches, and support staff attending major sporting events, even while maintaining broad bans on citizens of 39 countries and individuals with Palestinian Authority passports.
- These exemptions underscore how sector-specific exceptions can exist alongside strict immigration restrictions.
- For healthcare organizations, similar complexity exists in the nurse immigration space, where some pathways remain open despite tighter overall controls.
- Working with an experienced immigration law firm for healthcare and international nurses, like VisaMadeEZ, is essential to safely and efficiently navigate recruitment, sponsorship, and compliance.
Need Help Hiring International Nurses Under Today’s Visa Rules?
If your organization is planning to hire international nurses or if your current recruitment pipelines are affected by visa bans or changing rules our team at VisaMadeEZ can help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
We focus on:
- International nurse immigration
- Employment-based visas and green cards for healthcare professionals
- Practical, compliant solutions tailored to hospitals and healthcare facilities
To discuss your situation or explore strategies to protect your staffing plans in an evolving immigration environment, contact VisaMadeEZ today.
