In a significant move to tighten US borders, President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a major expansion of travel restrictions, adding five new countries to the list facing full entry bans and imposing new limitations on several others. This action marks the latest step in the administration's crackdown on migration following a violent incident last November.
New Nations Face Full Travel Bans
The White House issued a proclamation imposing full travel restrictions and entry limitations on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. Notably, the order also specifically targets individuals holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents. This expansion adds to the existing roster of 12 nations already under full bans and seven others with partial curbs.
Furthermore, two countries—Laos and Sierra Leone—which previously faced only partial measures, will now be subjected to full bans. The administration stated these measures are essential to address national security risks, ensure foreign government cooperation, and enforce immigration laws effectively.
Continuation and Expansion of High-Risk Country List
President Trump is continuing the stringent restrictions on the 12 nations previously designated as "high-risk". This list includes Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Additionally, the proclamation introduces partial entry restrictions on 15 more countries. These nations are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Countries like Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela remain under some, but not full, restrictions.
Policy Shifts and World Cup Concerns
In a positive development for one nation, Turkmenistan saw its partial travel restrictions loosened. The US is lifting the ban on nonimmigrant visas for its citizens, citing the country's productive engagement and significant progress. However, a halt on entry for nationals as immigrants remains in place.
This policy expansion revives one of Trump's most contentious first-term initiatives, which underwent multiple revisions before being upheld by the US Supreme Court. The timing raises concerns with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Restrictive visa policies could deter international fans from attending. The Trump administration has sought to allay fears, promising a priority visa system for ticket holders. Notably, several countries that have qualified for the tournament, including Iran, Haiti, and Senegal, are affected by these restrictions.
The administration's actions follow the November shooting that killed one National Guard member and critically injured another. Federal authorities identified the suspect as an Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021. Trump and his allies have blamed the Biden administration's migration policies for the incident and have outlined further planned steps, including halting admissions from some developing nations and revoking citizenship for naturalized migrants involved in certain activities.
