US Expands Travel Restrictions: Which Countries Are Affected?

In a significant move, President Trump has expanded US travel restrictions, adding 20 countries and the Palestinian Authority to the list. This decision imposes a full travel ban on five nations and partial restrictions on 15 others, citing security concerns and issues with vetting travelers. The proclamation highlights the challenges posed by corruption and instability in these regions. Exemptions exist for certain visa holders, but the new measures further complicate travel for those from affected countries, particularly Palestinians. This expansion revives a controversial policy from Trump's earlier term, raising questions about its implications for national security and immigration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 10:37 IST

New Travel Restrictions Announced by the US

Washington: President Donald Trump has officially signed a proclamation that broadens the scope of US travel restrictions, adding 20 additional countries along with the Palestinian Authority to the existing list.

This significant expansion imposes stricter limits on who is eligible to visit or immigrate to the United States.

Currently, five nations are subjected to a complete travel ban, while another 15 face partial restrictions. Additionally, travel by individuals holding Palestinian Authority-issued documents is now fully restricted.

According to the White House, this decision is part of an initiative to enhance US entry standards, with officials citing security concerns as a primary reason. They referenced the recent apprehension of an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House during the Thanksgiving weekend.

There are exemptions to these restrictions; individuals with valid US visas, lawful permanent residents, diplomats, athletes, and certain other visa holders are not affected. Entry may also be permitted if it aligns with US interests, although the administration has not specified when these new measures will be implemented.

The initial round of restrictions was announced in June, which barred citizens from 12 countries from entering the US, while nationals from seven others faced partial limitations. This recent move revives a key policy from Trump’s earlier term.

The June restrictions included countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, and others, while partial restrictions were applied to nations like Burundi, Cuba, and Venezuela.

On Tuesday, the administration added Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria to the full travel ban list, while also imposing a complete restriction on individuals with Palestinian Authority documents. Notably, South Sudan was already facing significant travel limitations.

Fifteen additional countries have been placed on the partial-restriction list, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, and others.

These restrictions impact both visitors and immigrants, affecting those seeking short-term travel as well as those aiming for permanent residency.

In his proclamation, Trump highlighted that many of the affected nations are plagued by 'widespread corruption, unreliable civil documents, and criminal records,' complicating the vetting process for travelers. High rates of visa overstays and the refusal of some governments to accept deported citizens were also cited as concerns.

The administration pointed to instability and weak governance in certain regions, alongside immigration enforcement and national security issues as justifications for the travel ban.

Changes were also made to previous restrictions, with Laos and Sierra Leone moving from partial limits to full suspensions, while Turkmenistan experienced some easing of restrictions due to reported improvements. All other provisions from the June announcement remain unchanged.

The new measures regarding Palestinians are more stringent than previous actions, which had already made it nearly impossible for holders of Palestinian Authority passports to secure US travel documents for various purposes. The latest decision now prohibits them from emigrating to the US.

The proclamation noted that several 'US-designated terrorist groups operate actively in the West Bank or Gaza Strip and have murdered American citizens.' It also mentioned that the recent conflict likely compromised vetting and screening capabilities in those regions, further complicating the national travel ban.

Travel bans were a contentious issue during Trump’s first term, leading to protests and legal challenges, although courts later upheld revised versions. Supporters argue that these measures enhance national security, while critics contend that they unfairly discriminate based on nationality.