Gaza visitor visas paused during review

The State Department paused issuing Gaza visitor visas while it reviews the visa issuance process for medical humanitarian cases.

State Department halts Gaza visitor visas during review

The U.S. State Department announced it is suspending all visitor visas for people from the Gaza Strip while it carries out a full and thorough review of the process used to issue a small number of temporary medical humanitarian visas in recent days. The pause covers Gaza residents and their accompanying family members who would normally apply for tourist or medical treatment visas. The department said the notice was posted on its X account.

State Department statistics from January to May 2025 show 3,804 class B1/B2 visas were issued to people with Palestinian Authority travel documents. The department did not provide a breakdown by visa type or purpose, but notes that B2 visas typically cover tourism or medical treatment while B1 covers business travel. In related developments, HEAL Palestine says that 11 severely injured children and 26 accompanying family members crossed from Gaza into Jordan on July 30, 2025 and plan to enter the United States in August. Eight Gaza children were previously brought to Chicago for medical care in December 2024, sponsored by the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. ABC News said it sought comment but did not receive an immediate response.

The move highlights how travel rules intersect with urgent medical needs. Pausing visa issuance creates a barrier for patients and families seeking treatment, and it sits at the crossroads of policy and humanitarian concern. The timing and scope of the review will be watched closely by advocates who say medical access should not be hindered by bureaucratic steps.

This pause raises questions about transparency and impact. NGOs, clinics, and patients rely on predictable access to care, especially when Gaza’s health system struggles. If the review lasts longer than expected, it could ripple through humanitarian operations and diplomatic relations. The policy should be time‑bound and clearly communicated to minimize harm while security considerations are addressed.

Highlights

Policy and care will be tested in the weeks ahead.