The United States has expanded its travel restrictions under a new proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, placing a complete travel ban on nationals from 19 countries and partial restrictions on several others, according to the White House. The move, announced on Tuesday, brings the total number of countries affected by US travel restrictions to 40, with the new rules set to take effect from January 1.
In a statement, the White House said the decision was taken to “expand and strengthen entry restrictions on nationals from countries with demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing,” citing concerns related to national security and public safety.
Countries facing a complete ban on entry into the United States include Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, Eritrea, Haiti, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, and Laos. Palestinian Authority passport holders are also among those affected.
In addition to the full ban, the US has imposed partial travel restrictions on citizens of several other nations. These include Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and multiple African and Caribbean countries such as Angola, Benin, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, as well as the Pacific island nation of Tonga.
The administration said the restrictions are part of broader efforts to tighten US immigration and entry standards. Officials indicated that recent security incidents, including the arrest of an Afghan national suspected in the shooting of two National Guard troops over the Thanksgiving weekend, influenced the decision.
Critics, however, have described the expanded ban as discriminatory and unfair, arguing that it disproportionately affects African, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean nations and limits opportunities for ordinary citizens seeking travel, education, or family reunification.
Earlier this year, the US had already announced bans on 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven others, signaling a continued hardline stance on immigration and border security under the Trump administration.
