Trump Expands US Travel Ban to 39 Countries, Including Palestinians

Washington: The Trump administration has expanded its US travel ban to cover 39 countries, nearly doubling the number of nations affected since its initial announcement earlier this year. The latest update imposes a full entry ban on five additional countries and includes 15 more under partial restrictions. Palestinian travelers holding documents from the Palestinian Authority are also now barred from entering the United States.

Reason Behind the Expanded Ban

The administration cited concerns over widespread corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documentation, and criminal records in these countries, which complicate security and immigration checks for entry into the United States. This move is part of the ongoing effort by the Trump administration to tighten US immigration and travel standards.

Countries Under Full Ban

The original 12 high-risk countries previously under a full ban continue to face complete travel restrictions. These include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Newly Included Countries

Based on recent assessments, five additional countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria—have been added to the full ban list. Palestinian Authority travel document holders are also included.

Countries with Increased Restrictions

Laos and Sierra Leone, which previously faced partial restrictions, are now subject to full entry bans. Partial restrictions remain for citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela. Meanwhile, the non-immigrant visa restrictions for Turkmenistan have been lifted, citing improved cooperation with the United States.

15 New Countries Under Partial Ban

Fifteen more nations have been added to the partial restrictions list: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The expanded travel ban reflects the administration’s continued focus on tightening entry requirements and screening processes, reinforcing security and immigration protocols for foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States.