Nigeria Joins Cuba, Tanzania, Dominica, Malawi, Antigua And Barbuda, And Other Thirty-Three Countries In Facing New Visa Obstacles As US Government Expands Travel Ban For 2026: New Updates You Need To Know

Published on December 17, 2025

Nigeria, along with Cuba, Tanzania, Dominica, Malawi, Antigua and Barbuda, and thirty-three other countries, is now facing new visa obstacles as the US government expands its travel ban for 2026. This major update significantly impacts individuals from these nations, as the US tightens restrictions on visa issuance, heightening scrutiny of applicants and complicating travel plans for many. The expansion is part of a broader effort to tighten national security measures, and travelers need to be aware of these crucial changes when planning international trips.

A significant shift in US immigration policy is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The United States government, under the administration of President Donald Trump, will expand its travel ban, affecting people from 39 countries. The scope of this expansion impacts visa issuance for individuals from these nations, and the changes will influence both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories. Travelers, businesses, and families will need to adjust their plans accordingly, especially those looking to travel to the US for business, education, or tourism.

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the expanded travel ban, covering the countries affected, what the new restrictions entail, exemptions, and how this will affect travelers.

Who Is Affected by the New Travel Ban?

The expanded travel ban will impact people from 39 countries, which are divided into two categories: full restrictions and partial restrictions. The ban also affects individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority documents, further complicating travel for those attempting to enter the US.

Countries Fully Restricted

The United States has added several new countries to its list of nations facing full restrictions, where no immigrant or non-immigrant visas will be issued, except in rare cases. These countries are now on par with 13 others that have been fully banned under the June 2025 proclamation.

As of January 2026, countries facing full bans include:

• Afghanistan
• Iran
• Libya
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Yemen
• Haiti
• Burkina Faso
• Mali
• Niger
• Laos
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Syria

Citizens of these countries are unable to receive US visas unless they meet strict exemption criteria. This also includes anyone using Palestinian Authority travel documents.

Partial Visa Restrictions: Countries Impacted

While 19 countries will face full restrictions, another group of 19 nations will face partial restrictions. This means that travelers from these countries will not be eligible for immigrant visas or certain non-immigrant visas, including tourist (B), student (F and M), and exchange visitor (J) visas.

Affected countries with partial restrictions include:

• Angola
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Benin
• Burundi
• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Tonga
• Venezuela
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Travelers from these nations can still receive other types of visas, but consular officers may impose shorter validity periods and more restrictive entry conditions. For example, most of these travelers may be issued single-entry visas with shorter validity, severely limiting the length of their stay in the US.

Why Is the US Expanding the Travel Ban?

The United States government justifies the expansion of this travel ban as a necessary step to enhance national security. The ban is aimed at strengthening the vetting process for visitors from countries deemed to pose higher risks due to various reasons, including terrorism, instability, and lack of cooperation in international security measures.

The Trump administration’s goal with this expanded ban is to close gaps in security screenings for visa applicants. By scrutinizing travelers more thoroughly, especially from high-risk nations, the government aims to prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a security threat.

Exemptions to the New Travel Ban

While the expanded travel ban is sweeping, there are some exemptions that will allow certain individuals from affected countries to enter the US. These exemptions, however, are more limited than in the past. Those who are exempt from the new restrictions include:

• Current US Residents: If you are already in the US on January 1, 2026, you will not be affected by the new travel restrictions.
• Valid Visa Holders: If you already hold a valid visa, you can continue to use it, although additional screening may occur at US ports of entry.
• US Permanent Residents: Those holding a US Green Card or permanent resident status are exempt.
• Dual Nationality Holders: If you hold a passport from a non-restricted country, you will be able to enter the US, even if your country of origin is on the restricted list.
• Diplomats and Government Officials: Diplomats, international organization employees, and certain government officials are also exempt.
• Athletes and Support Staff: Individuals traveling for major global sporting events are exempt from the new restrictions.
• National Interest Exceptions: There are limited exceptions for travelers deemed to have a strong national interest, though these are rare and difficult to qualify for.

It’s important to note that the new policy has removed previous exceptions, such as for immediate family members or adoption-related visas. These changes significantly reduce the number of people eligible for exemptions, making it crucial for travelers to check their visa status before attempting to enter the US.

How This Will Affect Travelers: Key Considerations

For travelers from affected countries, timing is critical. If you are planning to visit the US in 2026, it is advisable to apply for your visa before January 1, 2026, to avoid the new restrictions. Those who already have a valid visa can continue to use it, but expect heightened scrutiny at immigration checkpoints.

Additionally, the US immigration authorities have recently paused the processing of immigration applications for nationals of countries under the travel ban. This means that anyone born in a restricted country—regardless of their current nationality—may face difficulties processing their visa application.

For travelers who are already in the US and who will need to renew their visas, the rules are not yet clear. While some may be able to apply for a new visa within the US, the government has yet to confirm the exact process, and delays are expected.

The Impact of the US Travel Ban on Global Immigration Trends

The expansion of the US travel ban is likely to have wide-ranging effects on global immigration patterns. Countries that have been added to the ban list may see fewer people able to travel to the US, impacting business, tourism, education, and family reunification. Many of these countries are home to large immigrant populations in the US, and the new restrictions could force people to reconsider their travel or immigration plans.

Additionally, countries that are not yet part of the travel ban may see a rise in visa applications as individuals from restricted nations attempt to bypass the US restrictions by seeking visas from other countries. The international community may also take steps to respond, with countries considering reciprocal measures or adjustments to their own immigration policies in response to the US ban.

What Travelers Need to Do Now

For those affected by the travel ban, here’s what you need to know and do:

1. Check Your Visa Status: Ensure your visa is valid before the January 1 deadline. If you are planning to apply for a visa, do so as soon as possible to avoid the new restrictions.
2. Plan Travel Wisely: If you are from a banned country, consider traveling to the US before the ban goes into effect. For those already in the US, monitor changes in visa processing and prepare for potential delays or complications when renewing.
3. Consult Legal and Immigration Experts: Given the complexity of the changes, it may be wise to consult an immigration attorney to understand how the new rules will affect you, particularly if you are from an affected country.
4. Stay Informed: The US government will review the travel ban every 180 days, meaning that countries could be added, removed, or reclassified. Keeping an eye on the news and official government statements is key for staying ahead of any further changes.

The expansion of the US travel ban marks a significant shift in the way immigration and travel to the United States will operate starting in 2026. For many travelers, this will be a challenge, but for others, it may bring some clarity on the US government’s stance on security and immigration. While the measures are meant to enhance safety, they will inevitably disrupt travel and immigration patterns worldwide.

Nigeria, along with thirty-three other countries, is now affected by the US government’s expanded travel ban for 2026, limiting visa issuance in an effort to strengthen national security. This new update imposes significant hurdles for travelers from these nations planning to visit the United States.

As the situation unfolds, travelers from affected countries should take proactive steps to navigate these changes and seek guidance where needed. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can better manage the implications of the new US travel restrictions.