Trump has imposed a travel ban on certain countries for the second time. The president signed a similar order in 2017 during his first term. The new order, effective at 00:00 ET (05:00 BST) on Monday, restricts nationals from 12 countries from entering the US.
The White House describes the restrictions as “common sense” measures. They aim to “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors.” The countries affected by the ban include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Several exceptions apply. “Lawful permanent” US residents and their immediate family members with immigrant visas do not face restrictions. US government employees with Special Immigrant Visas are also exempt. Afghan nationals holding Special Immigrant Visas can enter. Dual nationals may travel, provided they do not use a passport from a banned country. Foreign nationals with certain non-immigrant visas and athletes traveling for major events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics, are also allowed entry. The US Secretary of State may grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis if the individual’s presence serves “a United States national interest.”
Trump cited the recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, to justify the expanded ban. On 1 June, a man injured 12 people using a flamethrower, Molotov cocktails, and incendiary devices. The FBI identified the suspect as an Egyptian national. However, Egypt is not on the banned list.
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The new order has sparked reactions both domestically and internationally. Chad retaliated by suspending visas for US citizens. Somalia promised to work with the US on security concerns. The African Union has urged the US to engage in dialogue with the affected countries.
In the US, many Democrats criticized the move. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal called it an extension of Trump’s previous Muslim ban. She warned the order would isolate the US further. Republicans like Congressman Clay Higgins defended it, saying travel to the US is “a privilege, not a right.”
The order also includes partial travel restrictions for nationals from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Trump has indicated that the list may change if “material improvements” occur. He also stated that new countries may be added as threats emerge.
