The United States has expanded its controversial travel ban, placing full or partial entry restrictions on nationals of 39 countries in a sweeping move that has sparked global concern and diplomatic reactions.
The expansion, announced under a new presidential proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump, took effect January 1, 2026, and represents a significant widening of earlier travel and visa restrictions. The U.S. government said the decision was based on national security considerations, visa overstay rates, and inadequate identity-management and screening systems in the affected countries.
What the New Ban Means
Under the new policy, countries are divided into two categories:
Full travel ban: Nationals are barred from receiving most immigrant and non-immigrant visas and are largely prohibited from entering the U.S.
Partial restrictions: Visa issuance is limited, affecting categories such as tourist (B1/B2), student (F, M), exchange (J), and some immigrant visas, with narrow exemptions.
Existing visas issued before the effective date have generally not been revoked, though travelers may face enhanced screening at U.S. ports of entry.
Countries Affected by the Expanded Travel Ban
Countries Under Full Travel Ban
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Burkina Faso
- Laos
- Mali
- Niger
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Travelers using Palestinian Authority-issued documents
Countries Facing Partial U.S. Entry Restrictions
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Dominica
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tonga
- Venezuela
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Impact on Nigeria and Africa
Nigeria’s inclusion under partial restrictions has raised concerns among students, business travelers, families, and airlines, with early data already showing a decline in U.S.–Nigeria travel volumes. Several African nations now account for the majority of countries on the list, drawing criticism from civil rights groups and foreign policy analysts.
U.S. Government Position
U.S. officials insist the policy is not targeted at any race or religion, arguing that it is designed to pressure affected governments to improve passport integrity, information-sharing, and border security cooperation.
However, critics say the expanded ban risks damaging diplomatic relations, restricting educational and business exchanges, and separating families.
What Happens Next
The proclamation allows for periodic reviews, meaning countries could be added or removed depending on compliance with U.S. security benchmarks.
For now, nationals of the listed countries—especially those planning to study, work, or visit the United States—are advised to seek updated guidance from U.S. embassies and immigration attorneys before making travel plans.