Trump Administration Expands US Travel Ban: New Restrictions for 2026

Published on December 18, 2025

The Trump administration has introduced an expanded set of travel restrictions that will affect several nations, with new limitations taking effect on January 1, 2026. The expansion brings the total number of affected countries to 39, as the administration aims to enhance national security by limiting the entry of foreign nationals from nations that, according to U.S. officials, pose potential risks to security and safety.

This latest move builds upon the travel ban originally enacted in 2017, which has undergone several expansions and revisions over the years. While the expanded restrictions do not meet earlier threats of banning nationals from 30 countries, it still impacts many nations, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, and will have significant implications for travellers, students, and business professionals.

Expanded Travel Restrictions: Full and Partial Bans

The new restrictions target five additional countries, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. For these nations, all visa categories, including immigrant and non-immigrant visas, will be suspended, preventing nationals from entering the United States, unless specific exemptions apply. The decision stems from concerns about visa overstays, insufficient data-sharing, and security risks from certain foreign governments.

In addition to the full travel ban on the five countries, the proclamation also introduces partial restrictions for travellers from fifteen other countries, which means individuals from these nations will face limited entry or visa suspensions for several visa categories. The affected countries include:

• Angola
• Benin
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Dominica
• Gabon
• The Gambia
• Malawi
• Mauritania
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Tonga
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Travellers from these nations can still apply for visas in certain cases, but their visa applications will undergo more stringent review processes, particularly for those seeking to enter on temporary or student visas.

The Impact on Travel and Mobility

The expanded restrictions are expected to affect both tourism and business travel, as nationals from affected countries will be either fully banned or subject to stricter entry conditions. Additionally, U.S. businesses, especially those relying on international professionals or students, will need to navigate additional visa hurdles for certain foreign employees or workers.

Travellers seeking to visit the U.S. from these countries will need to check the specifics of their visa category and the status of their application before making travel plans. Given the rapidly changing nature of immigration laws, it’s recommended that potential travellers from the impacted countries consult U.S. embassies or consulates for updated visa guidance and entry procedures.

Why the Expansion of the Travel Ban?

According to White House officials, the rationale for the expanded restrictions is rooted in national security concerns, specifically regarding the screening and vetting of visa applicants. The new limitations seek to address issues such as insufficient cooperation from certain foreign governments in the areas of counterterrorism, information-sharing, and border security. The administration has stated that the countries added to the list were chosen because of their failure to meet specific security protocols required by the U.S. government.

The move comes after recent incidents that raised concerns about security risks associated with travellers from certain regions, especially following an attack in Washington, D.C. involving an Afghan national. President Trump referenced such incidents as the backdrop for expanding the restrictions, arguing that more stringent controls are necessary to protect U.S. citizens and ensure that foreign nationals entering the U.S. do so through secure channels.

What Does This Mean for Global Travel?

The expanded travel ban announced by the Trump administration will undoubtedly have a profound impact on travellers from the affected countries. The restrictions on entry, especially the full travel ban for five additional nations, add a layer of uncertainty for those hoping to travel to the United States in 2026. However, the policy also reflects broader trends in global immigration control, with security concerns driving stricter measures at borders.

As the situation evolves, it’s important for global travellers and those working in the immigration sector to stay updated on the latest guidelines and visa requirements from the U.S. government to avoid any complications when planning travel to the U.S.