36 Countries Face Potential U.S. Travel Ban

Last updated on 52 minutes ago

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a significant expansion of travel restrictions that could impact citizens from up to 36 additional countries, according to recent reports. This proposed policy, outlined in an internal State Department memo, could reshape global travel to the United States. For travelers, visa applicants, and those planning to visit or relocate to the U.S., now is the time to take proactive steps.

Here’s how to prepare for the potential ban and protect your travel plans, brought to you by Visas and Travels.

What Is the Proposed Travel Ban?

The Trump administration has revived and expanded its travel ban policy, first introduced during the president’s initial term (2017–2021). On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation imposing a full entry ban on citizens of 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven others, citing national security concerns like inadequate vetting and high visa overstay rates. A new State Department cable, reported by The New York Times and Reuters, reveals that 36 additional countries could face restrictions if they fail to meet U.S. security and vetting requirements by the June 18, 2025, deadline.

The draft proposal categorizes countries into three tiers:

Red List: 11 countries facing a complete entry ban, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and Bhutan.

Orange List: 10 countries with restricted visa access, requiring mandatory in-person interviews and stricter scrutiny, such as Haiti, Russia, Pakistan, and Myanmar.

Yellow List: 22 countries, mostly in Africa, like Angola, Benin, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zimbabwe, given 60 days to address issues like unreliable passport security or lack of cooperation on deportations. Non-compliance could shift these nations to red or orange lists.

The list is not finalized, and changes may occur. The policy stems from an executive order signed on January 20, 2025, mandating enhanced vetting to identify countries with deficient screening processes.

Why Is This Happening?

The administration cites national security, pointing to issues like inadequate identity documents, high visa overstay rates (e.g., Afghanistan’s 9.7% for business/tourist visas), and lack of cooperation on deportations. A recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, involving an Egyptian visa overstayer, has been used to justify the policy. Critics, however, argue it disproportionately targets developing nations, especially in Africa, and may be politically driven, with some labeling it a “second Muslim Ban.”

Action Steps for Travelers

The potential ban could disrupt travel plans, visa applications, and family reunifications. Here’s how to act now to stay ahead:

Verify Your Visa Status:
Check the validity of your current U.S. visa through the U.S. Embassy website or the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center.

If you’re from a red-list country (e.g., Afghanistan, Iran), new visas are currently unavailable except for limited diplomatic or national interest cases (e.g., 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics).

For orange-list countries (e.g., Haiti, Pakistan), prepare for delays due to mandatory in-person interviews and stricter vetting.

Plan Travel Immediately:

If you’re outside the U.S. and hold a valid visa, consider traveling before the June 18, 2025, deadline, as new restrictions could take effect soon after.

Book flexible tickets to account for potential border delays or policy changes.

Consult an Immigration Attorney:

Seek legal advice if you’re applying for a visa, renewing one, or concerned about entry. An attorney can help navigate complex cases, especially for yellow-list countries (e.g., Nigeria, Ethiopia) at risk of new restrictions.
Explore alternative visa options, such as humanitarian parole, if applicable, though the current ban lacks a waiver process for urgent cases.

Monitor Updates Closely:

Follow U.S. State Department announcements and trusted sources like Visas & Travels for real-time updates on the ban’s status and affected countries.

Join online forums or communities for travelers from your country to share insights and updates.

Prepare for Disruptions:

If you’re from one of the 36 countries on the draft list, anticipate potential delays or denials at U.S. borders. Carry documentation proving your travel purpose and visa validity.
For students, professionals, or families, coordinate with universities, employers, or relatives in the U.S. to plan contingencies, such as remote study or work options.

Which Countries Are at Risk?

The 36 countries potentially facing new restrictions include:

Africa (25): Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Caribbean (4): Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia.

Asia (4): Bhutan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Syria.

Oceania (3): Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

These join the 19 countries already under full or partial bans, including Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, and Venezuela.

Why Act Now?

The 60-day compliance window for yellow-list countries ends on June 18, 2025. Non-compliance could trigger immediate restrictions, leaving travelers with limited time to adjust. Legal challenges are likely, as seen during Trump’s first-term bans, but the Supreme Court upheld a revised version in 2018, suggesting potential obstacles may not overturn the policy quickly. Meanwhile, diplomatic tensions are rising, with countries like Chad halting visas for U.S. citizens in retaliation.

Stay Proactive, Stay Informed

The potential travel ban on 36 countries could significantly impact your plans to visit, work, or study in the U.S. By acting now—verifying your visa, planning travel, consulting experts, and staying informed—you can minimize disruptions.

At Visas & Travels, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate these changes with confidence. Subscribe to our blog for the latest updates and tips to keep your travel plans on track.