Venezuela Joins Cuba, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, and More as US Expands Travel Ban to Thirty Nine Countries Starting January 2026

Published on December 17, 2025

The United States is taking significant steps to tighten its immigration policies as it expands its travel ban to 39 countries, starting on January 1, 2026. The new measures, announced through a presidential proclamation, are poised to affect both immigrant and non-immigrant visa issuance for nationals of the listed countries. For travelers and visa applicants, understanding the scope of these changes and how they might be impacted is crucial. This expansion marks a continuation of the travel restrictions introduced in previous years and is set to shape the future of international travel to the U.S.

The Travel Ban’s Scope: What Has Changed?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State have officially confirmed that the expansion will affect nationals from 39 countries, subjecting them to either full or partial visa restrictions. This move significantly broadens the previous list, which already included nations with heightened security risks.

Under this revised policy, 20 countries will face a complete suspension of visa issuance—meaning individuals from these nations will be barred from receiving U.S. visas unless they qualify for specific exceptions. The remaining 19 countries will experience partial restrictions, including suspensions on certain visa types, such as tourist, student, and exchange visitor visas. These restrictions primarily impact countries deemed to have inadequate security or inadequate vetting measures for their nationals seeking to enter the U.S.

A Closer Look at the Full Ban List

The nations affected by the full ban include well-known geopolitical hot spots and regions dealing with severe instability. Among them are:

1. Afghanistan
2. Burma (Myanmar)
3. Chad
4. Eritrea
5. Haiti
6. Iran
7. Libya
8. Somalia
9. Sudan
10. Syria

The full list also includes newly added countries, such as Burkina Faso, South Sudan, and Mali. These countries will see their nationals fully banned from entering the U.S., including for tourism, work, and education, unless they can meet a narrow set of exemption criteria.

Additionally, Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents are treated as part of the full ban. This means individuals holding such documents may face additional barriers to obtaining U.S. visas, even if they are from countries not directly listed.

Partial Restrictions: Countries Affected and Their Implications

The partial travel ban will affect 19 countries, including some well-established travel destinations. These nations will face visa suspensions for specific categories such as tourist visas, work permits, and student visas. However, certain visa categories, particularly those tied to professional and academic purposes, may still be issued.

Countries affected by the partial ban include:

1. Angola
2. Cuba
3. Nigeria
4. Venezuela
5. Tanzania
6. Senegal
7. Zambia

These countries will see their nationals subjected to visa issuance restrictions for tourism, temporary work, and student categories. However, individuals seeking to travel for professional, diplomatic, or humanitarian reasons may still qualify for visas under strict scrutiny.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

The expansion of the travel ban will undoubtedly disrupt travel plans for thousands of people globally. Nationals from affected countries may need to reconsider their travel arrangements or begin preparing for additional documentation and scrutiny when applying for U.S. visas.

For travelers who have already received a U.S. visa, the proclamation specifies that existing visas will not be revoked. However, travelers who do not yet have a valid visa, or who are seeking to reapply after January 1, 2026, will find themselves subject to the new restrictions. This includes anyone planning to visit the U.S. for tourism, business, study, or temporary work.

Impact on Immigration: Broader Policy Implications

The expansion of the travel ban is a significant step in the broader trend of tightening U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration. This expansion follows the earlier 2017 executive orders, which led to the initial version of the U.S. travel ban. It has been a subject of significant legal battles and controversy, with courts weighing the constitutional and human rights implications of such restrictions.

While some advocates argue that these measures are necessary for national security, others believe they unfairly target citizens of specific countries and regions. Human rights organizations have long criticized the travel ban for disproportionately affecting people from predominantly Muslim-majority countries, though the 2026 expansion applies to a broader range of nations with different religious and cultural backgrounds.

The changes are part of the U.S. administration’s ongoing effort to secure borders and limit immigration from regions considered high-risk. It is also designed to tighten scrutiny on visa applicants from countries where security protocols or vetting procedures may be deemed insufficient.

Exemptions and How They Work

Though the new travel ban will have widespread effects, certain groups of individuals are exempt from the restrictions. These include:

• Diplomatic and official visa holders
• Green card holders (lawful permanent residents)
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Certain business or academic travelers who can demonstrate a legitimate reason for their visit

Additionally, any individuals who were issued a U.S. visa before the implementation of the expanded ban will not see their visas revoked. This means that anyone with valid travel authorization should be able to proceed with their travel plans as scheduled, even if their country of nationality is impacted by the ban.

What to Expect Going Forward

As January 2026 approaches, it is crucial for potential travelers from the affected countries to begin preparing their visa applications well in advance. Those wishing to visit the U.S. will need to provide ample documentation and prove their eligibility for exemption if applicable.

For those affected by the ban, exploring alternative visa options or consulting immigration experts will be essential to navigating the complexities of the new regulations. Given the unpredictability of changing immigration laws, staying informed through official government channels like the U.S. State Department’s website or the DHS can help ensure a smooth application process.

Conclusion: A Changing Landscape for International Travel

The expanded U.S. travel ban is a decisive policy change that will influence U.S. immigration for years to come. While the ban is a security measure designed to protect American citizens, it also raises questions about fairness, equality, and the impact on international travelers. For those affected, the road ahead may be more difficult, but with early preparation and understanding of the new regulations, many will still be able to fulfill their travel and immigration goals.