Trump expands US travel ban: Seven more countries barred—see complete list here

The US has expanded its travel ban, blocking entry for citizens from seven more countries starting January 2026. Check if your country is on the updated list.

The United States has significantly expanded its travel ban, barring citizens from seven additional countries from entering the country starting January 1, 2026. The move follows a proclamation signed by US President Donald Trump on December 16, citing national security risks, weak screening systems, and high visa overstay rates.

What the latest US travel ban means

With the new proclamation, the number of countries facing full or partial US travel restrictions has jumped from 19 to 39, making it one of the most extensive travel bans in American history. The administration says the decision is based on risk assessments rather than nationality or religion.

As per the White House, the restrictions are aimed at protecting the US from “national security and public safety threats,” pointing to inadequate information-sharing, unreliable civil records, corruption, terrorist presence, and instability in certain regions.

Seven new countries added to the full ban

Under the latest expansion, citizens from the following seven countries are now fully barred from entering the United States for tourism, work, education, or family visits:

Burkina Faso

Mali

Niger

South Sudan

Syria

Laos

Sierra Leone

In addition, individuals holding Palestinian Authority–issued travel documents are also prohibited from entering the US.

Complete list of countries under full US travel restrictions

As per the updated proclamation, the following countries now face full entry bans:

1. Afghanistan

2. Burkina Faso

3. Burma (Myanmar)

4. Chad

5. Equatorial Guinea

6. Eritrea

7. Haiti

8. Iran

9. Laos

10. Libya

11. Mali

12. Niger

13. Republic of the Congo

14. Sierra Leone

15. Somalia

16. South Sudan

17. Sudan

18. Syria

19. Yemen

20. Palestinian Authority-issued travel document holders are included under full restrictions.

Countries facing partial travel restrictions

The proclamation also imposes partial restrictions on travellers from the following nations, affecting select visa categories:

21. Angola

22. Antigua and Barbuda

23. Benin

24. Burundi

25. Côte d’Ivoire

26. Cuba

27. Dominica

28. Gabon

29. The Gambia

30. Malawi

31. Mauritania

32. Nigeria

33. Senegal

34. Tanzania

35. Togo

36. Tonga

37. Venezuela

38. Zambia

39. Zimbabwe

Special case: Turkmenistan – Immigration restrictions remain, but non-immigrant visa travel has been allowed.

Why the US expanded the travel ban

As per the release, US officials cited several factors behind the expansion, including:

• High visa overstay rates
• Terrorist and extremist activity
• Chronic political instability
• Corruption and unreliable civil documentation
• Poor cooperation in accepting deported nationals

Syria and Yemen were flagged for long-standing security concerns, while parts of West Africa—such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—were cited for insurgency-related instability.

Are there any exemptions?

Yes, the ban includes limited exemptions, including:

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
• Certain existing visa holders
• Diplomats and international organisation representatives
• Select visa categories deemed to be in US national interest
• Case-by-case waivers may also be granted under specific circumstances.

Impact on travellers, families, and institutions

The expanded ban is expected to affect students, workers, families, and employers across the US. Universities awaiting international students, companies with overseas hires, and families seeking reunification are likely to face delays or cancellations.

Global reaction and criticism

The decision has sparked international debate. Human rights groups have warned that blanket bans could stigmatise entire populations and disproportionately affect refugees and students. Critics also argue that such measures may strain diplomatic ties.

Supporters, however, say stricter entry rules are necessary to prevent visa misuse and strengthen border security.

The administration maintains that restrictions will remain until affected countries show “credible improvements” in vetting, identity management, and cooperation with US authorities.

Not Trump’s first travel ban

This marks the third time President Trump has imposed a travel ban. Earlier versions—most notably in 2017—triggered widespread protests and legal challenges but were eventually upheld by the US Supreme Court.

With the latest expansion taking effect in 2026, the US continues to rely on travel restrictions as a central tool in its immigration and national security strategy.