The US will not remain for everyone as the government mulls planned ban on travel from various countries. This means the Trump administration is reportedly considering a significant expansion of travel restrictions to the United States, potentially impacting citizens from as many as 43 countries.
This proposed policy would extend beyond the travel bans implemented during President Trump’s first term, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Proposed Travel Restrictions
A draft proposal developed by diplomatic and security officials outlines a tiered system categorizing countries based on the severity of restrictions. These categories include a “Red List” of countries facing a complete travel ban, an “Orange List” where visa access would be sharply restricted, and a “Yellow List” giving countries a 60-day period to address security concerns before potential restrictions take effect.
Draft List of Proposed Travel Ban Countries
| Category | Implications | Countries |
| Red List | Complete travel ban | Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen |
| Orange List | Visas sharply restricted; mandatory in-person interviews for visa applications | Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Turkmenistan |
| Yellow List | Countries given 60 days to address security concerns | Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe |
Ongoing Policy Review
Officials from the State Department, along with security experts from intelligence agencies and other departments, have been reviewing the draft list. They are assessing the accuracy of security concerns and considering policy implications, such as maintaining diplomatic relations and international cooperation on other priorities.
The proposal is part of President Trump’s executive order issued upon taking office, which mandated the State Department to identify countries with “deficient vetting and screening information.” The department was given 60 days to compile a report for the White House detailing recommended travel restrictions.
This effort is being led by the Bureau of Consular Affairs, with support from the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Potential Impact
If implemented, this expanded travel ban could have far-reaching consequences for individuals seeking to enter the United States, including students, business professionals, and families. The final list of restricted countries may still change as the proposal undergoes further review and deliberation within the administration.