The Trump administration is considering imposing broad travel restrictions on citizens from 41 countries, according to sources and an internal memo seen by Reuters.
The proposed ban categorizes countries into three groups. The first group, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, faces a full visa suspension. The second group—Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan—could see partial suspensions impacting tourist, student, and some immigrant visas. The third group, which includes Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, risks partial visa suspensions if they fail to address security concerns within 60 days.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, noted that the list is subject to change and awaits approval, including from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The move echoes Trump’s first-term travel ban on several majority-Muslim countries, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
On January 20, Trump issued an executive order mandating intensified security screenings for foreign travelers. This directive requires cabinet officials to submit a list of countries with inadequate vetting procedures by March 21.
Trump had previewed the policy in an October 2023 speech, pledging to restrict travel from regions like Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. The measure is part of his broader immigration crackdown in his second term.
The State Department has yet to comment on the proposed travel restrictions.