The United States has once again tightened its entry rules for certain foreign nationals. Under a new proclamation signed by President Trump pursuant to Executive Order 14161—Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats— the US will restrict or partially limit entry for citizens of several countries beginning June 9, 2025 (12:01 a.m. EST).
According to the White House, this policy is aimed at “strengthening national security and safeguarding Americans” by enforcing stricter vetting and screening standards. However, legal experts and immigration advocates warn that the move could cause major disruptions for families, students, and professionals worldwide.
Full List of Countries Affected by the 2025 US Travel Ban
Countries with Full Entry Restrictions:
Individuals from the following countries will be completely barred from entry into the US:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Countries with Partial or Limited Entry Restrictions:
Certain categories of travel will still be permitted from these nations, but restrictions remain in place:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Who is Exempted from the US Travel Ban?
Despite the tough entry restrictions, the proclamation carves out several important exceptions. Individuals falling into the following categories are not affected:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of the United States
- Asylees and refugees already admitted into the US
- Dual nationals traveling on a non-restricted country’s passport
- Holders of certain nonimmigrant visas, including diplomatic and international organization visas (A, C, G, NATO categories)
- Athletes and sports teams (including support staff and immediate family) participating in major global events like the Olympics or World Cup
- Immediate family immigrant visas (spouses, children, or parents of US citizens—IR/CR categories)
- Adoptions visas (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4)
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders and US government employee visa categories
- Ethnic and religious minorities from Iran facing persecution
Expert Commentary: A Legal Perspective
Shilpa Malik, managing attorney at VisaNation, weighed in on the potential consequences of the travel ban, stating:
“The reinstated travel ban is poised to cause significant disruption for families, students, and professionals from the affected countries. While exemptions exist for green card holders and valid visa holders, the broader implications include heightened scrutiny, delayed processing, and uncertainty. We fully expect a wave of legal challenges in the months ahead, and it’s critical for impacted individuals to stay informed and seek legal counsel to navigate what will likely be a shifting legal landscape.”
In other words, even though some applicants may qualify for exemptions, the ripple effects of additional screening and longer processing times will be felt across the broader immigration system.
Enhanced Vetting and Screening: What Changes Under the Proclamation
The new proclamation gives clear instructions to the Secretary of State in coordination with the Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence. Together, these agencies will implement:
- Maximized Screening Procedures
- Ensuring that applicants undergo the most thorough vetting possible using all available resources.
- Stricter Information Requirements
- Applicants will be asked for more detailed documents and background details to demonstrate they do not pose any threat.
- Restored Screening Standards
- The vetting process will return to the baseline standards in place before January 19, 2021, ensuring uniform consistency across immigration checkpoints.
Mandatory Review and Reporting
Within 60 days of the proclamation, the involved federal agencies are required to deliver a comprehensive report to the President. The report will:
- Identify countries where screening procedures do not meet US security standards
- Recommend whether nationals of such countries should face partial or full entry suspensions under Section 212(f) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(f))
- Provide data on how many nationals from these countries have entered the US since January 20, 2021 and track their subsequent activities
What’s Next for the US Travel Ban?
The travel restrictions are not necessarily permanent. Under the order, the Secretary of State, together with other federal leaders, must decide:
- Whether to continue the travel ban
- Whether to modify or expand the list of countries
- Whether to lift restrictions entirely
These reviews will occur first after 90 days, and then again every 180 days thereafter. This means travelers and impacted families should monitor updates closely, as policies may change several times over the coming year.
What This Means for Travelers and Families
For anyone from the affected countries—or those with family members abroad—the reinstated travel ban creates significant uncertainty. Here’s what you need to know:
- Visa Applicants Will Face More Delays: Even exempt categories (like athletes or family-based visas) may see slower approvals due to enhanced security checks.
- Legal Challenges Expected: Advocacy groups are likely to file lawsuits challenging the order in federal courts, just as happened with previous travel bans between 2017–2020.
- Immigrant Families at Risk of Separation: Those waiting on petitions from restricted nations will likely see prolonged reunification periods.
- Heightened Documentation Needed: Applicants should be prepared with stronger evidence of identity, family relationships, employment history, and purpose of travel.
Final Thoughts
The US Travel Ban 2025 under Executive Order 14161 represents one of the most sweeping restrictions on entry in recent years. By targeting nations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, the proclamation highlights the government’s renewed focus on national security through immigration policy.
While many categories of travelers—including green card holders, refugees, and certain visa holders—are exempt, the reality is that communities from the impacted countries are likely to experience longer processing times, disrupted travel plans, and increased uncertainty.
For those facing restrictions, the best step forward is to stay informed, seek professional immigration advice, and ensure that all documentation is in order before attempting travel to the United States.
As agencies continue to review the policy every few months, the situation may shift. But for now, nationals of the listed countries should prepare for tighter scrutiny and significant barriers to entry into the United States.
