Keeping up with Donald Trump’s latest moves is no easy task. From issuing warnings about World War III to taking aim at global trade with steep tariffs, he’s now reportedly looking to expand travel restrictions in a sweeping new ban.
According to an internal memo seen by Reuters, the Trump administration is considering imposing travel bans or visa restrictions on citizens from more than 40 countries, categorizing them into three groups with varying levels of restriction.
While the proposal has yet to be finalized and approved, the plan bears similarities to Trump’s controversial 2018 travel ban, which barred entry from seven majority-Muslim nations during his first term.
Breakdown of the Proposed Travel Restrictions
The draft list divides affected countries into three categories:
- Full Travel Ban – Citizens from these nations would be completely barred from entering the U.S.
- Strict Visa Restrictions – These countries would face major limitations on tourist, student, and immigrant visas.
- Conditional Review – Countries on this list would have 60 days to address certain concerns or risk partial travel restrictions.
The draft list includes a mix of countries already sanctioned under previous travel bans, along with many new additions. Notably, several of Moscow’s key allies are among those facing tighter restrictions.
Countries Facing a Full Travel Ban
- Afghanistan
- Bhutan
- Cuba
- Iran
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Countries Facing Strict Visa Restrictions
- Belarus
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Turkmenistan
Countries Given 60 Days to Address Concerns
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Dominica
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gambia
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Vanuatu
- Zimbabwe
How These Restrictions Could Work
Citizens from the second group of countries (with strict visa restrictions) may still be able to enter the U.S. under specific circumstances. Affluent business travelers could be granted entry, but those seeking immigrant or tourist visas would face significant hurdles. Many applicants may also be required to attend in-person interviews before obtaining a visa.
What Happens Next?
Officials who spoke anonymously to The New York Times cautioned that the draft list was developed by the State Department weeks ago and is still subject to changes before reaching the White House. However, given Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration since his return to office, an expanded travel ban seems increasingly likely.
For now, the world is watching closely as the administration weighs its next move…
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