According to internal memos cited by media reports, the U.S. government is reviewing potential travel limitations for citizens from more than 40 countries, with up to 11 nations at risk of a complete visa ban.
A memo reviewed by Reuters named 41 countries under consideration, while The New York Times reported that 43 nations are being evaluated. This follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on January 20, requiring a report to determine which countries may face new travel restrictions. The report is expected by next Friday.
Countries Facing a Full Visa Ban
Citizens from the following 11 countries could be completely barred from entering the U.S.:
Afghanistan
Bhutan
Cuba
Iran
Libya
North Korea
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Venezuela
Yemen
It remains uncertain whether existing visa holders from these nations will be exempt. Trump initially introduced a travel ban in 2017, starting with five countries before expanding it to 10. Afghanistan may now be added to the list.
Nations Facing Partial Visa Restrictions
Certain countries may see limitations on specific visa types, such as student, tourist, or specialty visas. The affected nations include:
Reuters’ List: Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan
The New York Times’ Additional Mentions: Belarus, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, and Turkmenistan
Under these restrictions, only select visa types—such as business-related permits—may be issued. Visa durations could also be shortened, and applicants may be required to undergo in-person interviews.
Countries Warned of Potential Travel Suspensions
A broader group of nations has been placed on notice, as they could face future travel restrictions if they do not enhance their security screening procedures. The Trump administration’s executive order directed an assessment of countries where “vetting and screening information is deficient” to determine if travel suspensions are necessary.
According to Reuters, the following countries are under review:
– Angola
– Antigua and Barbuda
– Belarus
– Benin
– Bhutan
– Cape Verde
– Cambodia
– Cameroon
– Chad
– Democratic Republic of the Congo
– Dominica
– Equatorial Guinea
– Gambia
– Liberia
– Malawi
– Mauritania
– Pakistan
– Republic of the Congo
– Saint Kitts and Nevis
– St. Lucia
– São Tomé and Príncipe
– Sierra Leone
– East Timor
– Turkmenistan
– Vanuatu
Additionally, The New York Times reported that Mali and Zimbabwe may also be added to the list.
A final decision on the travel restrictions is expected after the administration’s review is completed next week.
