US Expands Travel Ban, Adding Six More Countries Including Syria and Palestinian Authority
Exemptions will apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, and certain other categories, though new visa applications from affected countries will face heightened scrutiny or possible denial.
The Trump administration has expanded the United States travel ban, adding six countries, including Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, and holders of travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, U.S. officials confirmed.
Under the new presidential proclamation announced Tuesday, nationals of these countries will face a full suspension of entry, while citizens of 15 other countries—including Nigeria, Angola, Zambia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Tanzania—will face partial travel and visa restrictions.
Officials cited national security concerns, pointing to inadequate vetting, poor cooperation on information sharing, and high visa overstay rates as reasons for the restrictions. The measures aim to strengthen border security and ensure that foreign nationals entering the U.S. meet strict safety standards. The restrictions are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.
Exemptions will apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, and certain other categories, though new visa applications from affected countries will face heightened scrutiny or possible denial.
Critics argue the expanded ban unfairly targets individuals based on nationality and could disrupt families, students, and workers with legitimate travel reasons.
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