U.S. Implements Comprehensive Travel Ban on Citizens from 12 Countries
New policy restricts entry for nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, and others, citing national security concerns
On June 4, 2025, the United States government announced a comprehensive travel ban affecting citizens from twelve countries.
The policy, effective from June 9, 2025, prohibits entry into the U.S. for nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The ban applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories.
The stated rationale for the ban includes concerns over national security, inadequate information-sharing by the affected countries, and the inability to reliably verify travelers' identities.
The U.S. administration emphasized that these measures are intended to protect the nation from potential threats posed by individuals from countries with deficient security protocols.
In addition to the full bans, the U.S. imposed partial restrictions on citizens from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Nationals from these countries face limitations on specific visa categories, including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F and M), and exchange visitor (J) visas.
The policy includes certain exemptions.
Individuals holding valid visas issued before June 9, 2025, lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country, and those granted specific waivers are not subject to the new restrictions.
The travel ban has prompted varied international responses.
Some governments have expressed concern over the implications for bilateral relations and the potential impact on their citizens.
Human rights organizations have also raised questions about the humanitarian consequences of the policy, particularly for individuals seeking asylum or family reunification.
The U.S. administration maintains that the travel ban is a necessary measure to safeguard national security interests and ensure the integrity of its immigration system.
The policy, effective from June 9, 2025, prohibits entry into the U.S. for nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The ban applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories.
The stated rationale for the ban includes concerns over national security, inadequate information-sharing by the affected countries, and the inability to reliably verify travelers' identities.
The U.S. administration emphasized that these measures are intended to protect the nation from potential threats posed by individuals from countries with deficient security protocols.
In addition to the full bans, the U.S. imposed partial restrictions on citizens from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Nationals from these countries face limitations on specific visa categories, including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F and M), and exchange visitor (J) visas.
The policy includes certain exemptions.
Individuals holding valid visas issued before June 9, 2025, lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country, and those granted specific waivers are not subject to the new restrictions.
The travel ban has prompted varied international responses.
Some governments have expressed concern over the implications for bilateral relations and the potential impact on their citizens.
Human rights organizations have also raised questions about the humanitarian consequences of the policy, particularly for individuals seeking asylum or family reunification.
The U.S. administration maintains that the travel ban is a necessary measure to safeguard national security interests and ensure the integrity of its immigration system.
