Why the US Expanded the Travel Ban
According to the Trump administration, several countries affected by the proclamation suffer from widespread corruption, unreliable civil documentation and incomplete or inaccessible criminal records. These deficiencies, officials argue, make it difficult for US authorities to properly vet travellers seeking entry.
The administration also cited persistently high rates of visa overstays, refusal by some governments to accept deported nationals, and ongoing political instability that undermines cooperation with US immigration agencies. Together, these factors were described as posing an unacceptable risk to national security.
Countries Under Full Travel Restrictions
The new proclamation continues full entry bans on nationals from 12 countries previously identified as high-risk. These are Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
Five additional countries have now been added to the full restriction category based on recent assessments. These include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. Individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are also covered under full entry limitations.
Upgraded From Partial to Full Restrictions
Two countries that were earlier subject to limited visa controls have now been upgraded to full travel restrictions. Laos and Sierra Leone were moved into this category after US authorities concluded that existing compliance issues had not improved.
Countries Facing Partial Entry Restrictions
The proclamation continues partial restrictions on nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela. These measures typically affect specific visa categories, including certain non-immigrant and immigrant visas.
In addition, partial entry restrictions have been imposed on 15 new countries. These are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Relief for Turkmenistan
In a notable exception, the US government has lifted the existing ban on non-immigrant visas for Turkmenistan. Officials said the decision reflects improved cooperation between Ashgabat and Washington on immigration and security matters.
Who Is Exempt From the Ban
The proclamation outlines several exemptions to prevent undue hardship. Lawful permanent residents of the United States, existing visa holders and individuals in select categories such as diplomats and international athletes are not affected.
The administration has also retained provisions for case-by-case waivers where an individual’s entry is deemed to serve US national interests. However, some broad family-based immigrant visa exemptions have been narrowed due to documented fraud risks.
Global and Domestic Reactions
The expanded travel ban has already triggered strong reactions internationally, with several affected nations expressing concern over its humanitarian and diplomatic implications. Civil liberties groups within the US have criticised the move, calling it discriminatory and legally vulnerable.
Supporters of the policy argue that the measures are necessary to protect national security and restore integrity to the immigration system. The White House has maintained that the proclamation is based on data-driven assessments rather than ideology.
What This Means Going Forward
The latest expansion underscores President Trump’s continued focus on immigration enforcement as a central pillar of his governance. Legal challenges are expected, and the long-term impact will depend on court rulings and future diplomatic engagement with the affected countries.
