The Trump administration is considering a new travel ban that could affect citizens from up to 43 countries, expanding on previous restrictions. The final list of affected countries awaits approval from officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Further details are expected as the administration finalizes its approach.
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a new travel ban that could impact citizens from up to 43 countries. This move is seen as an expansion of the restrictions implemented during Trump’s first term.
Countries on the New Travel Ban List
An internal memo obtained by media sources suggests that the proposed ban will categorize countries into three groups: red, orange, and yellow.
- Red Category (Full Visa Suspension): People from countries such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen may be completely barred from entering the United States.
- Orange Category (Restricted Visas): Nations like Haiti, Russia, and Pakistan are included in this tier. Travelers from these countries may need to undergo additional screening, including mandatory in-person interviews.
- Yellow Category (Under Review): Countries such as Cambodia, Zimbabwe, and the Republic of Congo may face restrictions if concerns raised by U.S. officials are not addressed within 60 days.
White House Response
So far, the White House has not officially commented on the memo. However, when asked about the policy in a recent press briefing, President Trump declined to share details, stating it would be unwise to do so at this stage.
Background on Travel Restrictions
Trump first introduced a travel ban in 2017, which affected several Muslim-majority nations. The decision faced legal challenges and led to nationwide protests. While the Supreme Court later upheld a revised version, President Biden revoked the ban in 2021, calling it discriminatory.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump pledged to reinstate strict travel restrictions, arguing they are necessary for national security. In January 2025, he signed an Executive Order directing officials to identify countries that may require enhanced vetting. A report based on this order is expected soon.
Next Steps
The final list of affected countries is yet to be confirmed. Officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will need to approve any new restrictions before they take effect. More details may emerge in the coming weeks as the administration finalizes its approach.
