2025: Full List of 19 Countries Banned from Traveling to US, Others Under Review
- President Donald Trump’s sweeping travel ban targeting 19 countries officially took effect on 9 June, reigniting legal and humanitarian concerns
- The executive order, framed as a national security measure, bars or restricts entry from nations with strained U.S. relations or internal instability
- With further expansions under consideration, the policy signals a renewed hardline stance on immigration
President Donald Trump’s newly expanded travel ban officially came into force on June 9, triggering widespread concern over its implications for international travellers and immigration policy.
The executive order, signed earlier this month, bars citizens from 12 countries and imposes restrictions on nationals from seven others, marking a significant escalation in the administration’s immigration crackdown.
Source: Getty Images
Immigration crackdown intensifies with broader travel ban
The move has revived a controversial tactic from Trump’s first term, which previously led to chaos at airports and a flurry of legal challenges. This latest iteration is broader in scope, targeting more countries and expected to face renewed scrutiny in courtrooms across the United States.
In a proclamation issued on 4 June, Trump cited national security concerns, claiming that several of the affected countries had “deficient” vetting processes that could result in visa overstays and potential threats. He also criticised nations that refused to accept deportees from the U.S., suggesting that their non-cooperation posed additional risks.
In a video posted to social media the same day, Trump referenced a recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, as justification for the ban.
Countries targeted by Trump’s travel ban
The nineteen countries affected by the ban include:
- Afghanistan
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Myanmar
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Most of these nations have strained diplomatic relations with the United States or are grappling with internal instability, including civil unrest and authoritarian governance.
US ban list: Potential expansion and exemptions
Just days after the ban’s implementation, the Trump administration revealed that it was considering adding thirty-six more countries to the list, the majority of which are in Africa. Among the nations under review are Bhutan, Cameroon, Egypt, and Nigeria. These countries have been given sixty days to meet specific benchmarks related to vetting and screening procedures.
While the ban is sweeping, certain exemptions have been outlined. Dual nationals, lawful permanent residents and their immediate family members, as well as individuals with specific visa statuses, will not be affected. Additionally, athletes participating in the upcoming 2026 World Cup will be exempt from the restrictions.
Legal Challenges and Humanitarian Concerns Loom
The reintroduction of a travel ban of this magnitude has reignited fears of legal battles and humanitarian fallout. Thousands of individuals from the listed countries—many of whom are fleeing conflict or hardship—now face significant barriers to entering the United States.
Trump stated that countries could be removed from the list if “material improvements” are made, and warned that additional nations could be added should “threats emerge around the world.”
As the policy unfolds, legal experts and civil rights groups are expected to challenge its constitutionality, while immigration advocates continue to raise concerns about its impact on vulnerable populations.
Source: Getty Images
How to prepare your social media accounts for US visa interview
Legit.ng earlier reported that in light of the United States’ recent policy shift to scrutinise visa applicants’ social media activity, Nigerian journalist and frequent US visitor Mayowa Tijani has issued a cautionary guide to help individuals avoid rejection during the visa interview process.
Tijani, who has successfully travelled to the US on three separate occasions, stated that the new vetting procedure places significant weight on applicants’ online behaviour. He emphasised that careless posts, controversial tags, and ill-considered humour could now jeopardise one’s chances of securing a visa.
Source: Legit.ng
