Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, Libya Among Twelve Nations Hit by Trump’s New US Travel Ban Starting June 9: What You Need to Know

Written By: Paramita Sarkar

Paramita Sarkar

Story-telling has been one of my favourite passtimes and when it is about travel, every other activity seems to fall short. I started my journey as a freelancer close to two decades ago having worked with various online portals inclduding Sambhar Stories, Thirllophilia and so on. Down the years, life has rewarded me with experiences, only adding to my writing practice. Even though teaching has been my primary profession and passion, choosing the job of a travel journalist was not quite dilemmatic when selected by the esteemed editorial team of Travel And Tour World. Knowing and letting readers know about the quaint yet intriguing desintions across the globe through writing is something I always cherish and put in my best endeavour to.

See Full Bio

June 9, 2025 1:44 PM

Image generated with Ai

Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan are among the 12 countries now facing a comprehensive travel ban to the United States, effective June 9, 2025, under a new order signed by former President Donald Trump. The ban suspends both immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuance to citizens of the listed countries, citing serious concerns about terrorism, document security, and visa overstays. The restrictions have immediate implications for travelers, refugees, and families across the globe, especially those planning to visit major American destinations such as Washington, New York, Los Angeles, and Houston.

This sweeping policy shift, detailed in the official Presidential Proclamation dated June 4, and published on the White House and Department of Homeland Security websites, affects countries with either hostile relations with the U.S. or governments deemed incapable of proper identity verification.

What the Ban Covers

Full Ban (12 Countries)

Citizens from the following countries are completely barred from entering the U.S.:

• Afghanistan
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Chad
• Republic of the Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Haiti
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen

Partial Restrictions (7 Countries)

Nationals from these countries are limited to certain visa categories and cannot obtain B‑1/B‑2 tourist/business visas, F student visas, M vocational visas, and J exchange visas:

• Burundi
• Cuba
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Venezuela

Justification: National Security & Vetting Concerns

According to the White House Fact Sheet and proclamation, the restrictions stem from insufficient vetting systems, poor documentation, and intelligence gaps in the fully banned countries. The policy reflects data from Homeland Security on visa overstays, terrorist threats, and passport integrity issues.

President Trump pointed to the recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly involving an overstayed Egyptian national, stating that it highlights “extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted”.

Timeline & Legal Structure

• June 4, 2025: Presidential proclamation signed.
• June 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT: Ban officially goes into effect.
• Applies to new visa applicants or nationals outside the U.S. without valid visas. Previous visas remain valid.
• Reviews scheduled every 180 days, with potential additions or removals based on foreign cooperation and threats.

Who Is Exempt?

The travel ban includes numerous exemptions, as outlined by DHS, State Department, and Federal Register guidance:

1. Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
2. Current visa holders issued before June 9, 2025
3. Dual nationals using a passport from a non‑banned country
4. Diplomats and foreign government officials
5. Refugees, asylum seekers, Special Immigrant Visa holders
6. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, parents, children)
7. Adoptees entering the U.S.
8. Athletes and staff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics
9. National interest waivers, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Impact on Cities & Communities

Major metropolitan areas with large immigrant populations—especially Washington D.C., New York City, and Houston—are already experiencing anxiety as families scramble to bring loved ones home. Local officials and advocacy groups report widespread fear and uncertainty in the Bay Area, Washington suburbs, and other refugee-rich regions .

Organizations such as CAIR and Oxfam have condemned the ban as discriminatory and inhumane.

Legal and Political Responses

• Legal experts state this version has been tailored to withstand judicial scrutiny by focusing on visa issuance, similar to the 2018 Supreme Court decision on the previous Muslim Ban.
• Democratic lawmakers and human rights groups have condemned the ban as xenophobic and racist, launching legal challenges.
• Chad responded by suspending visas for U.S. citizens in retaliation.

Practical Advice for Travellers & Immigrants

Broader Implications & Forward Look

Navigating the New Reality

• If you’re a national of one of the 12 banned countries, and outside the U.S. without a valid visa after June 9, entry is prohibited unless exempted.
• Green Card holders and current visa holders remain exempt—carry documentation.
• Dual nationals should present non-banned passports.
• For family, academic, or medical travel, seek a waiver before applying.
• Stay informed via official sources: White House, DHS, State Department, and U.S. Embassy updates.

Conclusion
As of June 9, 2025, President Trump’s expanded travel ban bars nationals from 12 countries and partially restricts 7 others—with significant implications for immigrants, refugees, athletes, families, and U.S. cities like Washington, New York, and Houston. While framed as a national security move, the ban faces legal challenges and international pushback. Its long-term impact will depend on legal outcomes, diplomatic reactions, and future reassessments scheduled every 180 days.