Thirty-Six More Nations Could Join US Travel Ban, Impacting Tourists from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Travel

Published on December 3, 2025

The United States is contemplating expanding its travel ban to include up to 36 new countries, following a recent deadly attack involving Afghan nationals in Washington D.C. The potential expansion, which could affect nations in Africa, Asia, and beyond, is part of the ongoing efforts to safeguard American borders and enhance national security. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and President Donald Trump are both considering this drastic step as a response to recent violent incidents and the increasing concerns about security vulnerabilities in the country. The move aims to keep Americans safe while simultaneously addressing the growing challenges in immigration and border control.

Existing Travel Ban and Its Impact on Affected Countries

Since June 2025, the U.S. government has implemented a travel ban targeting 19 countries from North Africa, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa. These nations have faced various levels of restrictions, with some countries under full suspension and others facing partial bans on travel to the U.S.

The list includes countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Syria, as well as several African nations like Somalia, Sudan, and Venezuela. The primary rationale behind these measures was to mitigate the risk of terrorism and threats to U.S. public safety. While these restrictions focus primarily on terrorism-related concerns, the decision also reflects broader challenges with undocumented immigration, political instability, and international security dynamics.

Expansion Plans: Which Countries Could be Affected?

Following the tragic shooting of two National Guards in Washington D.C., Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has pushed for a broader crackdown on immigration from certain countries. Although the specific nations targeted by this expansion remain unclear, sources suggest that the U.S. administration is considering adding 36 countries to the banned list.

These 36 nations, primarily from sub-Saharan Africa, include countries like Angola, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, all of which have been flagged for issues related to documentation and illegal immigration. The U.S. State Department has already engaged with embassies and consulates to ensure that these countries improve their visa and immigration processes. If these nations fail to address concerns within a set timeframe, they risk facing full travel restrictions, further complicating international travel.

Countries Most Likely to Be Affected by the Expanded Ban

1. Angola
2. Ethiopia
3. Ghana
4. Tanzania
5. Uganda
6. Nigeria
7. Burkina Faso
8. Syria
9. Somalia
10. Cameroon

These countries, along with several others in Africa and Asia, are expected to face heightened scrutiny in the coming months, as the U.S. government pushes for more stringent border controls.

Impact on Travelers and Tourism

For travelers, particularly those coming from or transiting through the affected countries, the expanded travel ban could create significant disruptions. Visitors may find it difficult to obtain U.S. visas or even face entry refusals if they have visited certain nations in the past. This may also impact the tourism industry, particularly in regions where travel to the U.S. has been a major source of revenue.

Tourists from countries like Nigeria and Ghana, which are both popular hubs for international connections, may find that their travel plans are upended by these restrictions. The broader economic ramifications of a wider travel ban will likely be felt by both airlines and tourism boards as they scramble to adjust to the new requirements.

Airlines flying from these countries to the U.S. will be forced to revise their routes and consider the changing political landscape. Similarly, hotels and other tourism providers in the U.S. may also feel the sting of declining international tourist arrivals.

How Should Travelers Prepare for the Upcoming Changes?

If you are planning a trip to the U.S. from any of the nations currently under the travel ban, or any of the newly proposed countries, it’s important to keep up with the latest updates from official government sources. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the State Department are the primary channels through which travel advisories and restrictions will be communicated.

Travel tips:

1. Check Visa Status: If you hold a visa from any affected country, ensure it is still valid, and check if any new protocols have been introduced.
2. Monitor Government Announcements: Stay informed about new travel restrictions and updates to entry requirements.
3. Consider Alternative Destinations: If the U.S. is no longer an option, consider alternative destinations with more lenient travel policies.
4. Be Ready for Delays: With increased scrutiny, delays in visa processing and increased security measures at airports are likely.

What’s Next for U.S. Immigration Policy?

As the U.S. administration continues to tighten its immigration policies, it’s clear that the global travel landscape will be impacted. The expansion of the travel ban marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and underscores the growing importance of national security concerns in the world of international travel.

International travelers should be prepared for the possibility of further travel bans in the future, with ongoing tensions surrounding immigration, security, and border control. By understanding these changes and staying informed, travelers can better navigate the evolving landscape of U.S. entry restrictions.