Trump administration weighs travel ban on dozens of countries, memo says
The Trump administration is contemplating implementing extensive travel limitations for residents of numerous nations as part of a proposed prohibition, say individuals privy to the discussion and an internal document reviewed by Reuters.
The memorandum outlines a total of 41 nations categorized into three distinct groups. The initial group comprises 10 countries—such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea—that would face complete visa restrictions.
In the second category, five nations — Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan — would be subject to partial restrictions affecting tourist, student, and certain immigrant visas, though some exemptions apply.
In the third category, a collective of 26 nations—including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan—would face potential limitations on U.S. visa processing if they do not take steps to rectify issues within two months, according to the memorandum.
A U.S. official, requesting confidentiality due to sensitive information, warned that modifications might occur regarding the list before it gains approval from the administration, which includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The New York Times initially mentioned on the list of nations.
This action echoes President Donald Trump's initial travel ban targeting visitors from seven predominantly Muslim countries during his first term. The policy underwent multiple revisions before being validated by the Supreme Court in 2018.
On January 20, Trump signed an executive order mandating enhanced security screenings for all foreign nationals applying to enter the United States with the aim of identifying potential national security risks.
That order directed several cabinet members to submit by March 21 a list of countries from which travel should be partly or fully suspended because their "vetting and screening information is so deficient."
Trump's directive is part of an immigration crackdown that he launched at the start of his second term.
He previewed his plan in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict people from the Gaza Strip, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen and "anywhere else that threatens our security."
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters .