Trump Administration Expands Travel Ban, Adds 22 Countries
Update, January 2, 2026: New USCIS guidance has expanded the impact of these restrictions beyond just travel. Effective immediately, USCIS has placed an indefinite hold on processing immigration benefits for anyone born in or a citizen of the countries listed below. Importantly, this hold now applies based on your country of birth, meaning dual citizens are no longer exempt from processing delays even if they hold a second passport from a country not on the travel ban list.
—
The federal government has officially expanded its travel ban to cover a total of 39 countries plus people carrying Palestinian Authority documents. On December 16, a new executive order issued by the Trump Administration added new limits to the already existing proclamation from June 2025.
Who is NOT impacted or exempt
The suspension applies only to foreign nationals of the listed countries who are outside the U.S. on the effective date and do not have a valid visa on that date.
The proclamation expressly does not apply to:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
- Dual nationals of a listed country traveling on a passport from a non‑listed country.
- Holders of specific diplomatic/official/nonimmigrant visas: A‑1, A‑2, C‑2, C‑3, G‑1, G‑2, G‑3, G‑4, NATO‑1 to NATO‑6.
- Athletes and related personnel (plus immediate relatives) traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting events as designated by the Secretary of State.
- Certain U.S. government special immigrant visa holders and persecuted ethnic/religious minorities in Iran, as specified.
The executive order does not revoke visas issued before the effective date and does not bar people already granted asylum or refugees already admitted. It also does not eliminate the right to seek asylum, withholding of removal, or CAT protection.
Which countries are included in the latest travel ban?
Effective January 1, 2026, people from the following countries will be barred from entering or reentering the U.S.:
- Afghanistan
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Laos
- Libya
- Mali
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Niger
- People with Palestinian Authority documents
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
In addition, those from the following countries are affected under a partial travel ban:
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Ivory Coast
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tonga
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
The executive action notes that waivers for the travel ban can be requested on a case-by-case basis, including for lawful permanent residents, certain nonimmigrant visas like A-1 and NATO, and players, coaches, and staff who are part of a World Cup team and their immediate families.
Ana Gabriela Urizar, immigration attorney at Manifest, recommends that people from these countries immediately return and remain in the U.S. for the time being. “Until there is clearer guidance and confirmed exemptions, staying in the U.S. is often the safest option to preserve lawful status and avoid unnecessary risk,” she says.
Afghanistan, Venezuela remain in travel ban list
The latest executive action adds seven nations to the total travel ban and fifteen to the partial travel ban. The federal government has not removed any country previously listed. Laos and Sierra Leone got moved from a partial to full travel ban.
Turkmenistan still has a partial travel ban for immigrant visas, but the new order lifts the ban for nonimmigrant visas like the B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J.
The proclamation also adds full travel restrictions for those under Palestinian Authority.
Below is a chart outlining all the changes made to the travel ban list:
| Category | Countries / Documents | Count |
| Previously fully restricted (continued) | Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen. | 12 |
| Newly fully restricted | Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Syria. | 7 |
| Full ban on travel documents | Travel on Palestinian Authority-issued or -endorsed documents. | 1 set |
| Previously partially restricted (continued) | Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Venezuela. | 4 |
| Newly partially restricted | Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Dominica, Gabon, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe. | 15 |
| Modified restriction | Turkmenistan (immigrants still restricted; B, F, M, J nonimmigrants no longer suspended). | 1 |
Next steps for foreign nationals affected
If you’ve already entered the U.S. in a valid status, you must avoid international travel at all costs.
For those affected who have yet to receive immigration benefits, Urizar encourages them to continue building their case and profile. “Travel bans are not always permanent,” she says. “Use this time to build your documentation and have a strong case ready to submit if things open back up.”
Affected by the recent changes in immigration policy? Our team of attorneys can answer any questions about the travel ban and how it could impact your ability to live and work in the U.S. Request a consultation or a 15-min legal questions call to get the support you need.
