The Trump administration is considering sweeping new travel restrictions targeting citizens from 41 countries, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo reviewed. The proposed policy would significantly expand previous travel bans, potentially suspending or restricting visas for travelers from a diverse range of nations.
An anonymous U.S. official cautioned that the list remains subject to change and has yet to receive final approval. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to play a key role in determining the policy’s final scope.
If implemented, the ban would represent one of the most extensive travel restrictions in modern U.S. history, surpassing previous bans enacted during the Trump presidency. The memo outlines three categories of restrictions: full visa suspensions, partial visa suspensions, and conditional restrictions based on compliance with U.S. security measures.
Countries Facing a Full Visa Suspension
The memo names ten countries where visa issuance would be entirely suspended.
- Afghanistan
- Cuba
- Iran
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Yemen
This category includes nations that have previously faced U.S. travel restrictions due to security concerns, terrorism links, or strained diplomatic relations. Countries like Iran, Syria, and North Korea have long been at odds with Washington, while Venezuela’s inclusion reflects the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and the government of Nicolás Maduro.
Partial Visa Suspensions Target Tourist and Student Visas
A second category in the memo proposes restricting tourist, student, and certain other visa types for the following nations:
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Laos
- Myanmar
- South Sudan
This measure would allow some forms of travel to continue but would place significant barriers for students and visitors from these countries. The rationale for their inclusion remains unclear, though previous travel restrictions have cited national security concerns, visa overstays, and governance issues as justification.
Countries at Risk of Partial Suspension If Deficiencies Remain
A third group of 26 nations faces potential partial visa restrictions if they fail to meet certain U.S. security standards. The memo recommends that these countries address deficiencies related to border security, identity verification, and cooperation with U.S. authorities.
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Belarus
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Burkina Faso
- Cabo 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
- Saint Lucia
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Sierra Leone
- East Timor
- Turkmenistan
- Vanuatu
The memo does not specify what deficiencies these countries must address, but prior travel bans have cited inadequate passport security measures, limited data-sharing with U.S. agencies, and weak counterterrorism efforts.
The proposal has already sparked concerns among U.S. allies and international organizations. Critics argue that such a sweeping ban would disrupt travel, harm diplomatic relations, and disproportionately affect developing nations.
“This kind of blanket policy is deeply concerning,” said a senior official from a human rights organization, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Many of these countries are struggling with economic challenges, political instability, or humanitarian crises. Barring their citizens from traveling to the U.S. will only deepen these issues.”
Democratic lawmakers have also voiced opposition, with Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) calling the proposal “a reckless move that echoes Trump’s previous failed Muslim ban.” He urged the administration to reconsider and engage with affected countries to resolve security concerns diplomatically rather than through unilateral restrictions.
Some nations on the list have longstanding security and diplomatic cooperation with the U.S., making their inclusion surprising. Pakistan, for example, has been a key partner in counterterrorism efforts in South Asia, and Burkina Faso has worked closely with U.S. forces to combat extremism in West Africa.
Despite the backlash, Republican supporters of the policy argue that it is a necessary step to protect U.S. national security and ensure stricter immigration controls.
“President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe,” said a senior White House official. “This proposal ensures that we only admit visitors from countries that properly vet their citizens and cooperate with U.S. security measures.”
The Trump administration has previously defended travel bans as tools for enhancing national security. The original 2017 travel ban, which initially targeted several Muslim-majority countries, was met with legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
With the 2024 election cycle in full swing, some analysts see the new proposal as a strategic move to energize Trump’s base by emphasizing immigration and border security.
The final decision on the policy is expected in the coming weeks. The list of affected countries could change as discussions continue within the administration.
If the proposal is enacted, it could have far-reaching implications for international travel, trade, and diplomacy. For now, foreign governments, advocacy groups, and affected individuals remain on high alert, awaiting official confirmation from the White House.
As the world watches, the Trump administration faces mounting pressure to justify the necessity and fairness of what could become one of the most expansive travel bans in U.S. history.
