Trump’s US travel ban and restrictions. Credit: Noam Garai, Shutterstock
Twelve countries face US bans, and seven other countries will be subject to visa restrictions from Monday, June 9, 2025 under a declaration signed by President Donald J. Trump.
The new measures are part of the widespread immigrant austerity that the White House calls for in order to prevent “terrorist attacks and other threats to national security or public security.”
The complete declaration, “Limiting foreign entry to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats‘, released on June 4th, 2025.
12 countries face a US travel ban
According to the declaration, “This has completely stopped entry into the US citizens of (these) countries as immigrants and non-immigrants.”
The complete ban applies to the following citizens:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
The document outlines the country-specific risks, such as “Afghanistan lacks competent or cooperative central authority to issue passports or civil documents and lacks appropriate screening and review measures.”
Iran was labelled “national sponsor of terrorism” and Libya was labelled “without having a competent or cooperative central authority to issue passports or civil documents.” Somalia was said to be a “safe shelter for terrorists.” There, “terrorists use the area, from which they plan, promote and implement operations.”
Seven countries face US restrictions on some of the major visas
The following seven countries are subject to partial visa suspensions affecting B-1/B-2 (Tourism/Business), F (Student), M (Occupation), and J (Exchange Visitor) visa categories.
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Take home
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The declaration states that “the entry of (these countries) citizens into the United States as immigrants and non-immigrant invasion of B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas is hereby suspended.”
Furthermore, “The Consul Officer shall reduce the validity of other non-immigrant visas issued to citizens to the extent permitted by law.”
Why are these countries targeted by US travel bans and restrictions?
The White House lists multiple reasons for restrictions, including:
- “Inappropriate Identity Management or Information Sharing Policy”
- “The existence of important terrorists within the territory (country)”
- “The huge price for visas is high”
For example, Chad had a 49.54% overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas, according to the FY23 DHS report.
“The entry of immigrants and non-immigrants into the United States as described in sections 2 and 3 of this declaration is detrimental to the interests of the United States,” Trump said.
Which travelers are exempt from Trump’s US travel ban and restrictions?
Some travelers are exempt.
- “Legal permanent residents of the United States”
- “Athlete… Travel to the World Cup, the Olympics or other major sporting events.”
- “Adoption (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4)”
- “Immigration visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.”
The order states, “An immigrant or non-immigrant visa issued prior to the applicable effective date shall be revoked in accordance with this declaration.”
Global response to Trump’s US travel ban and restrictions
According to ReutersSomalia has pledged to be diplomatically involved with the US ambassador. Meanwhile, Venezuelan Home Minister Diosdado Cabello has denounced the United States of political persecution, saying, “Being in the United States is a huge risk for everyone.
Trump’s previous ban on travel to the US
Trump’s 2025 actions reflect his controversial travel ban in 2017. It initially targeted a large majority of Muslim countries and was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018. That policy was called “the stain of the conscience of the people” by President Biden in 2021.
In his June 4th declaration, Trump reaffirmed: “The restrictions and restrictions imposed by this declaration are necessary to gain cooperation from foreign governments, enforce immigration laws, and obtain national security and counterterrorism objectives.”
What is your opinion? Are these new travel restrictions legitimate security measures or pure discrimination? Please let us know in the comments.
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