President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday of 4 June 2025 implementing comprehensive travel restrictions affecting nationals from 19 countries worldwide.
The new travel ban, which becomes effective on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, represents a significant shift in US immigration and travel policy as part of the administration's broader immigration crackdown.
Countries Under Complete Travel Ban
12 Nations are under complete travel ban to the US.
The following countries face complete entry restrictions for their nationals:
Middle East and Asia Countries Banned in June 2025 US Travel Ban
- Afghanistan
- Iran
- Yemen
- Burma (Myanmar)
African Countries Banned in June 2025 US Travel Ban
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
Caribbean Countries Banned in June 2025 US Travel Ban
- Haiti
Countries with Partial Travel Restrictions
7 nations are under partial travel restrictions.
These countries face limited but not complete travel restrictions:
African Countries with Partial Ban in June 2025
- Burundi
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
Asia Countries with Partial Ban in June 2025
- Laos
- Turkmenistan
Americas Countries with Partial Ban in June 2025
- Cuba
- Venezuela
Who Is Exempt from the Restrictions
The travel ban includes several important exemptions that travelers should understand:
Valid Visa Holders: Individuals who already possess valid US visas issued before June 9, 2025, will not have their visas revoked and may continue to travel.
Permanent Residents: Lawful permanent US residents (green card holders) are not subject to these restrictions regardless of their country of origin.
Special Categories:
- Athletes and officials traveling for World Cup or Olympic competitions
- Afghan nationals holding Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for assisting US military operations
- Iranian nationals with special visas for escaping persecution
Existing Authorization: Those currently in the United States legally are not affected by the new restrictions.
The Stated Justification for the June 2025 Travel Ban
The Trump administration has cited several reasons for implementing these travel restrictions:
National Security Concerns
The proclamation identifies countries deemed to have a "large-scale presence of terrorists" or those that fail to adequately cooperate on visa security measures. The administration argues that these nations either cannot or will not provide sufficient information to properly vet travelers seeking entry to the United States.
Recent Security Incident
The administration specifically referenced a June 1, 2025, incident in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian national who had overstayed his visa allegedly conducted a firebomb attack at a pro-Israel march. This incident was cited as evidence of inadequate vetting processes and the dangers of visa overstays.
Administrative Deficiencies
Countries included in the ban are characterized as having:
- Inability to verify travelers' identities adequately
- Inadequate criminal history record-keeping
- High rates of visa overstays
- Poor cooperation with US security protocols
Implementation Timeline and Process
Effective Date
The restrictions officially begin on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Legal Framework
The ban was implemented through a presidential proclamation, giving it immediate legal effect without requiring congressional approval.
Review Process
The administration has indicated that the list of affected countries may be revised, with the possibility of adding or removing nations based on their cooperation with US security requirements.
Historical Context of the Travel Ban
Previous Travel Restrictions
This policy echoes similar measures implemented during Trump's first presidency (2017-2021), which faced significant legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Those earlier restrictions primarily affected several majority-Muslim nations.
Policy Changes Under Biden
The Biden administration repealed Trump's first-term travel restrictions in 2021, arguing they were discriminatory and ineffective. The current administration's reimplementation represents a return to this policy approach.
Campaign Promises
Trump had previewed similar restrictions during his 2023 campaign, specifically mentioning plans to restrict entry from Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other regions he characterized as having populations hostile to Americans.
International Reactions
Venezuela Reaction Towards the US Travel Ban
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello responded strongly, calling the US government "fascist" and warning that being in the United States poses "a big risk for anybody."
Somalia Reaction Towards the US Travel Ban
The Somali government has pledged to work with the United States to address security concerns and engage in diplomatic dialogue to resolve the restrictions.
Other Nations Reaction Towards the US Travel Ban
Several affected countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Laos, have not yet issued official statements regarding the new restrictions.
Impact on Global Travel and Tourism
Affected Travelers
The restrictions will impact millions of potential travelers from the affected nations, including:
- Business travelers and investors
- Students seeking education in the United States
- Families with relatives in America
- Tourists planning visits
Economic Implications
The travel industry expects significant impacts on:
- International student enrollment at US universities
- Business relationships and trade partnerships
- Tourism revenue from affected countries
- Family reunification processes
Regional Effects
Countries geographically close to restricted nations may see increased scrutiny and processing delays, even if not directly affected by the ban.
What This Means for International Travelers
For Affected Nationals
Citizens of the 19 affected countries should:
- Understand their current visa status and validity
- Consult with immigration attorneys if needed
- Consider alternative destinations for travel or business
- Stay informed about potential policy changes
For Other International Travelers
Travelers from non-affected countries may experience:
- Enhanced security screening processes
- Longer processing times for visa applications
- Increased documentation requirements
- More detailed questioning at entry points
For US-Based Businesses and Institutions
Organizations working with international partners should:
- Review current employee and student populations
- Understand exemption categories
- Prepare for potential staffing or enrollment impacts
- Develop contingency plans for affected operations
Legal and Administrative Framework
Enforcement Mechanism
The Department of Homeland Security and State Department will jointly enforce these restrictions through:
- Enhanced visa application screening
- Airport and border checkpoint protocols
- Coordination with international partners
- Regular policy reviews and updates
Potential Legal Challenges
Legal experts anticipate court challenges to the new restrictions, similar to those faced during Trump's first term. However, the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling provides legal precedent supporting presidential authority in this area.
Congressional Oversight
While Congress cannot directly overturn presidential proclamations on immigration, it retains oversight authority and could potentially influence policy through appropriations or other legislative measures.
Looking Ahead after the Travel Ban
Policy Evolution
The administration has indicated that the country list may be modified based on:
- Diplomatic negotiations and cooperation levels
- Security assessment updates
- International incidents or developments
- Bilateral relationship changes
Monitoring and Assessment
The effectiveness and impact of these restrictions will likely be evaluated through:
- Security incident tracking
- Economic impact assessments
- Diplomatic relationship monitoring
- Public opinion and political considerations
Global Travel Landscape
These restrictions contribute to an increasingly complex international travel environment, where travelers must navigate varying national policies, security requirements, and diplomatic relationships.
Staying Informed
Given the evolving nature of international travel policies, affected individuals and organizations should:
- Monitor official government communications
- Consult with qualified immigration professionals
- Stay updated on diplomatic developments
- Maintain awareness of alternative travel options
- Understand exemption categories and application processes
The implementation of these travel restrictions represents a significant development in US immigration policy with far-reaching implications for international travel, business relationships, and diplomatic partnerships worldwide.