The Trump administration has announced a major expansion of its travel ban, targeting travelers from 20 additional countries and the Palestinian Authority. Pakistan, however, is not included in the new restrictions, officials confirmed.
New Travel Ban Details
The updated proclamation, effective January 1, imposes a full travel ban on citizens of five countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. It also fully restricts travel for individuals holding documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
Additionally, 15 countries face partial restrictions for both immigrant and non-immigrant visitors. These countries include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Officials cited reasons such as “widespread corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documents,” high visa overstay rates, and “lack of stability or government control” in these countries, claiming these factors complicate proper vetting.
Also Read: US to expand travel ban to over 30 countries amid security concerns
Impact on Afghans and Palestinian Travelers
The new order also removes prior exceptions for Afghans eligible for the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program, raising concerns about hindering highly vetted individuals who assisted U.S. forces. Palestinian travelers are fully restricted under the updated ban, continuing a series of escalating measures on Palestinian entry to the U.S.
Global and Domestic Reactions
The expansion has drawn criticism from immigrant advocates and lawmakers. Laurie Ball Cooper of the International Refugee Assistance Project said the policy “demonizes people simply for where they are from.” Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib condemned the move as an act of “racist cruelty,” accusing the administration of targeting African and Muslim-majority countries to advance a white nationalist agenda.
Governments of affected nations, including Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, expressed concern and pledged to seek clarification on the new restrictions.
Background and Context
The expanded travel ban builds on a controversial policy revived earlier in 2025. It now impacts over 30 countries and territories, solidifying the Trump administration’s immigration framework and ensuring the travel ban remains a key element of its immigration legacy. Some prior restrictions on Laos and Sierra Leone were tightened, while limits on Turkmenistan were eased.
Authorities emphasized that Pakistan remains unaffected, and its citizens can continue traveling to the U.S. under standard visa regulations.
