President Donald Trump announced sweeping changes to U.S. travel restrictions, expanding and modifying limits on who can enter the country from dozens of nations.
In a proclamation issued Tuesday, Trump said the updated restrictions aim to protect national security and public safety by tightening screening and vetting for foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States.
The proclamation continues full entry restrictions for nationals of 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. It also adds full suspensions for seven additional countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria, along with anyone traveling on documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.
Trump said reviews by the State Department, Homeland Security, the Justice Department, and U.S. intelligence agencies found persistent failures in identity verification, recordkeeping, and information sharing in those countries.
Concerns cited include unreliable birth and criminal records, widespread corruption, high visa overstay rates, and terrorist activity. Trump said those gaps make it difficult for U.S. officials to determine whether travelers pose security risks.
Partial restrictions expanded
The proclamation also partially restricts entry from 15 additional countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Those limits apply to many immigrant visas and common nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist, student, and exchange visas.
Some earlier restrictions remain in place for countries like Cuba, Venezuela, Burundi, and Togo. Turkmenistan saw some limits eased after U.S. officials said the country improved cooperation, though immigrant visas remain suspended.
Trump also narrowed exceptions that previously allowed broader family-based immigration from restricted countries. He said family ties have been exploited in the past for fraud or criminal activity.
What’s still allowed
The restrictions do not apply to lawful permanent residents, dual nationals traveling on passports from non-restricted countries, diplomats, certain international athletes, or people granted asylum or refugee status.
Case-by-case waivers remain possible if officials determine travel serves U.S. national interests, including law enforcement or foreign policy needs.
Trump said the restrictions are meant to pressure foreign governments to improve documentation, reduce visa overstays, and share information with U.S. authorities.
The proclamation takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1.
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