Trump extends travel ban, adds countries
By: Zach Wichter
USA Today
..... President Donald Trump expanded his administration's ban on some foreign visitors on December 16, [2025] signing a proclamation that extended the existing ban on 12 countries and added others to the list.
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The White House, in a news release announcing the update, said the restrictions are aimed at preventing foreign nationals form entering the country if American officials don't have "sufficient information" about their background, along with other foreign policy goals. Trump has campaigned on sweeping immigration crackdowns in the United States, and other travel restrictions were a cornerstone of his first term.
..... The December 16 [2025] move banned citizens from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria and travelers with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
..... Additionally, national holding passports from the following countries are now restricted from entering the United States; Angola; Antigua and Barbuda; Beiin; Cote d'Ivioe; Dominica; Gabon; the Gambia; Malawi; Maurtania; Nigeria; Senegal; Tanzania; Tonga; Zambia; and Zimbabew.
..... The White House said the expanded ban goes into effect January 1. [2026]
..... Laos and Sierra Leone, which previously were subject to a partial ban, has also been added to the list for the full ban.
..... Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela continue to face partial restrictions. Turkmanistan, which faced restitutions under Trump's previous travel ban, has been removed form the list.
..... The 12 countries that were originally subject to the travel ban continue to face the same restrictions: Afghanistan; chad; Republic of the Congo; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Haiti; Iran; Libya; Myanmar; Somalia; Sudan; and Yemen.
..... The White House outlined its reasons for the additional restrictions and changes, citing improper vetting, terrorist groups operating in some of the listed countries or a high rate of their citizen overstaying visas in the United States.
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The updated proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests, but it adds new restrictions on family-based immigrant visa carve-outs.
..... When Trump enacted the previous ban over the summer, [2025] experts told USA Today that it would likely introduce complication for existing visa holders and could make reentry more difficult. It's also likely to make it harder for applicants form those countries to obtain new visas.
..... Individuals form the affected countries who have already purchased tickets to travel to the United Sates should consult with their airlines and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. while some exceptions exist, most travelers from the fully banned countries are expected to be denied entry. Those from partially restricted countries may still be allowed to travel, subject to additional screening and requirements.