These 43 Countries Could Be Barred from Entering the U.S. Under Trump’s 60-Day Plan
In an evolution of immigration policies, former President Trump has taken significant steps to bolster national security through new travel restrictions affecting specific nations. This initiative stems from an executive order designed to delineate countries that pose potential safety risks. Travelers from these nations may face varying levels of restrictions, fundamentally altering how citizens from these countries engage with the United States.
Understanding the Executive Order
On April 18, 2025, President Trump introduced an executive order titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” This directive effectively categorized countries into three groups—each subjected to a different degree of travel limitation. The overall aim is to significantly enhance security measures at the U.S. borders, particularly for individuals hailing from regions deemed high-risk.
Group One: Full Travel Bans
The first group consists of countries whose nationals are absolutely prohibited from entering the United States. This stringent category flags nations with substantial concerns regarding terrorism, political instability, or insufficient data-sharing agreements with U.S. authorities. The countries that fall into this category include:
- Afghanistan
- Bhutan
- Cuba
- Iran
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Citizens of these countries must seek alternatives if they wish to visit the United States, as the government has outlined zero tolerance toward applications or entry attempts from these nations.
Group Two: Stricter Visa Requirements
The second group faces heightened hurdles in the visa application process. While not outright banned, applicants from these countries will experience more extensive scrutiny and background checks. It is critical for these individuals to provide detailed information and meet stringent criteria to secure a visa. The countries listed in this group include:
- Belarus
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Turkmenistan
Individuals from these nations should prepare for potential delays and thorough investigations during their visa processing as the U.S. government aims to vet more carefully those seeking entry.
Group Three: 60-Day Compliance Requirement
The last category encompasses countries that must comply with U.S. security and data-sharing requirements within a strict 60-day timeline. If these nations fail to meet the criteria established by the U.S. government, they may face added travel restrictions. The countries in this group include:
- Angola
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dominica
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gambia
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- St. Kitts & Nevis
- St. Lucia
- São Tomé & Príncipe
- Vanuatu
- Zimbabwe
These nations are urged to expedite the implementation of necessary changes to avoid penalties, which could further inhibit travel to the United States.
Conclusion
The recent adjustments made to immigration policy under the Trump administration highlight an ongoing commitment to reinforce national security. For travelers and citizens from the affected nations, understanding these restrictions is vital for navigating the complexities of U.S. entry requirements. Remaining informed and proactive about compliance can facilitate smoother travel experiences. If you have questions regarding your travel eligibility or the visa process, it’s essential to consult with legal or immigration experts to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
