The Trump administration is considering implementing new travel restrictions for citizens of multiple countries deemed unstable or adversarial, according to individuals familiar with an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. The proposal follows previous travel restrictions enacted by President Donald Trump in 2017, which faced legal challenges before ultimately being upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
According to the memo, the proposed restrictions divide 41 countries into three categories based on security concerns and cooperation with U.S. vetting requirements. The first category consists of nations facing full visa suspensions, including Syria, North Korea, Afghanistan, and Iran, among others. These countries have been identified as having extreme instability or adversarial relationships with the United States, warranting the most stringent measures.
The second category includes five nations—Haiti, South Sudan, Eritrea, Laos, and Myanmar—which would face partial suspensions affecting tourist, student, and immigration visas. While these restrictions would be broad, the memo indicates that some exceptions could be granted on a case-by-case basis. The document cites widespread insecurity and internal conflicts as primary reasons for these measures.
A third category includes 26 countries, such as Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. These nations would not face immediate visa suspensions but could be subjected to restrictions if their governments fail to address security concerns outlined by the U.S. within 60 days. The memo states that this policy aims to encourage cooperation in strengthening vetting and screening procedures.
NEW – Proposed travel ban countries list from Trump administration includes nations whose citizens may face US entry restrictions. List subject to change in final order. pic.twitter.com/ovL1a9qVPf
— Byte (@ByteEcosystem) March 15, 2025
A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that the plan remains under development and has yet to receive final approval from key administration figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The official emphasized that the restrictions align with broader national security objectives outlined by the administration since the president’s second inauguration.
As one of his first executive actions in his second term, Trump signed an order requiring enhanced vetting for all foreign nationals entering the United States, citing increased national security threats. The order directed cabinet members to identify countries where screening and vetting processes were insufficient, potentially leading to partial or full travel suspensions.
Trump’s previous travel ban, enacted in 2017, initially affected seven countries with significant issues related to Islamic extremism. The policy underwent multiple legal challenges before the Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality in 2018. Critics labeled the order a “Muslim ban,” though the administration maintained that the policy was based on security concerns rather than religious affiliation.
As President, I proudly instituted national security travel bans to keep terrorists, jihadists, and violent extremists OUT of our Country. Kamala Harris and Joe Biden REVOKED my travel ban immediately, their first day in office…
Donald Trump Truth Social 06:55 PM EST 09/04/24… pic.twitter.com/A6GAdFYtNy
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) September 4, 2024
During his re-election campaign, Trump repeatedly pledged to reinstate and expand travel restrictions in an effort to bolster national security. The proposed measures outlined in the memo appear to align with those campaign promises, though it remains unclear when a final decision on the policy will be made.
The administration has not officially commented on the potential travel restrictions, and it is expected that any final policy will be subject to further review before implementation.
