Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation significantly expanding America’s travel ban and entry restrictions, citing national security concerns, public safety risks, weak vetting mechanisms and high visa overstay rates.
With the latest order, the total number of countries facing a US travel ban or entry restrictions has risen to 39, after 20 additional nations were added to the list. The expanded restrictions will come into effect from January 1, according to a White House fact sheet.
Complete Travel Ban on Seven Countries, Including Palestinians
The proclamation imposes a complete travel ban on seven entities, including five countries — Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria.
In a significant move, Palestinians holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority have also been placed under the ban.
Additionally, Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously subject to partial restrictions, now face a full ban on entry into the United States.
Partial Entry Restrictions on 15 More Countries
The Trump administration has also introduced partial entry restrictions on 15 new countries, expanding its immigration crackdown further.
The countries affected by partial restrictions are:
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Dominica
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Tanzania
- Tonga
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Partial restrictions will continue for nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela.
Turkmenistan Sees Limited Relief
Among all affected nations, Turkmenistan is the only country to receive partial easing under the new proclamation. Restrictions on non-immigrant visas for Turkmen citizens have been lifted.
Background: Why the US Tightened Immigration Rules
The decision comes two weeks after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that the administration planned to expand the existing travel ban from 19 to over 30 countries.
The move follows the November 26 killing of two National Guard members in Washington DC. The attacker, an Afghan national, reportedly entered the US after the 2021 withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and was granted asylum earlier this year following vetting.
The administration has cited this case while arguing for stricter immigration controls and enhanced screening procedures.
The announcement also comes in the wake of a December 13 Islamic State ambush in Syria, which killed two US soldiers and an American civilian interpreter.
Reasons Behind the Expanded US Travel Ban
According to the White House, the fresh restrictions are based on:
- Terrorist activity and internal conflict
- Weak passport and identity verification systems
- High visa overstay rates, especially B-1/B-2 and student visas
Countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria were flagged for active terrorist threats, while Syria was cited for lacking a reliable central authority to issue passports or civil documents after years of civil war.
“The restrictions are necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information to assess potential risks,” the White House said.
Exemptions and Waivers Remain
The proclamation includes exemptions for:
- Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Existing visa holders
- Diplomats
- Athletes
- Individuals whose entry serves US national interests
While case-by-case waivers remain available, the administration has narrowed broader family-based immigration exemptions, citing concerns over misuse and document fraud.
