After previously tightening the visa application process for several nations, the United States has once again taken firm action by implementing an entry ban on citizens from specific countries.
This policy is part of broader immigration rule tightening, which the U.S. claims is a move to safeguard national security and control the flow of foreign entrants into the country. Read the full details below.
Background of the U.S. Entry Ban Policy
The entry ban, announced by Donald Trump in June 2025, marks a significant expansion of similar policies enacted during his previous administration. This policy targets 12 countries with a full entry ban, and 7 additional countries facing partial visa restrictions—such as student or family visa bans.
Trump stated that the move was necessary for national security, citing a lack of data-sharing cooperation, weak identity verification systems, and high visa violation rates among the listed countries.
However, the policy has sparked sharp criticism. Many have labeled the ban as discriminatory and xenophobic, as most affected countries are located in Africa and the Middle East. Critics argue the move is a continuation of the "America First" approach, which narrows international cooperation and tarnishes the U.S.'s global reputation.
List of Affected Countries
The U.S. government’s June 2025 entry ban includes countries deemed risky in terms of security and immigration systems. The policy sets two categories of restrictions: full bans and partial restrictions.
Full Ban
Under the full ban, citizens from the following 12 countries are prohibited from entering the United States on nearly all visa types, including visitor, student, and immigrant visas. These countries are considered to lack adequate security systems and data exchange protocols, and show high visa overstay rates:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Partial Ban
The U.S. has also imposed partial restrictions on citizens from the following 7 countries. While entry is still possible, it is subject to strict limitations—such as being restricted to short-term work, student, or family visit visas with more complex requirements, including mandatory in-person interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Most countries affected by these restrictions are either in tense or adversarial relationships with Washington. Some are also experiencing political unrest or governed by authoritarian regimes.
There are special exemptions for athletes and coaches from the listed countries. They will still be allowed entry into the United States if they are participating in international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, both of which will be hosted in the U.S.
