An IMGW News Report
Washington, US – The Trump administration is considering imposing broad travel restrictions on citizens from dozens of countries as part of a new travel ban, according to sources and an internal memo seen by Reuters.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, emphasised that the list remains subject to change and has yet to receive full approval, including from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The internal memo divides the 41 affected countries into three categories: full visa suspensions, partial visa suspensions, and countries at risk of restrictions if they fail to meet U.S. security and immigration standards.
Countries Facing Full Visa Suspensions
Citizens from the following countries would be barred from obtaining U.S. visas under the proposed ban:
- Afghanistan
- Cuba
- Iran
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Countries Subject to Partial Visa Suspensions
Tourist, student, and other select visa types would be restricted for these nations:
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Laos
- Myanmar
- South Sudan
Countries at Risk of Partial Visa Suspensions
These nations could face visa restrictions unless they address security and immigration concerns raised by 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
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Sierra Leone
- East Timor
- Turkmenistan
- Vanuatu
The proposed restrictions mark a significant expansion of Trump’s past travel bans, which primarily targeted Muslim-majority nations. While the administration argues that the measures are necessary for national security, critics warn that such policies could lead to diplomatic tensions and travel disruptions affecting millions of people worldwide.
The announcement has already drawn mixed reactions. Supporters claim the ban will strengthen U.S. border security and prevent threats, while opponents view it as an unjustified expansion of previous controversial immigration policies.
If implemented, the new travel restrictions could severely impact business travel, family reunifications, and international education, further straining relations between the U.S. and the affected countries. The final decision is expected in the coming weeks, pending official approval.
