Trump Issues New Travel Ban Affecting Nearly 20 Countries: What Travelers Need to Know
President Trump signed a proclamation banning or restricting nearly 20 countries from entering the U.S., citing national security concerns. The new restrictions mirror earlier policies that were controversial. Full bans apply to 12 countries while partial to others. The measures begin on June 9, 2025, causing potential travel complications for numerous visa applicants.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed a new travel proclamation aimed at barring or partially restricting entry to the U.S. from nearly 20 countries, citing national security. This decision revives some of the themes from his 2017 immigration policies that were heavily scrutinized and met with protests when they were first implemented.
Travel restrictions announced include a complete ban for foreign nationals hailing from countries such as Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, and Iran, along with others like Sudan and Yemen. There are also partial restrictions affecting nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, and Venezuela among others. This strategy appears to target nations with reportedly high rates of visa overstays and alleged shortcomings in screening and vetting processes.
The proclamation draws stark comparisons to Trump’s earlier immigration policies—commonly referred to as the “Muslim ban.”
Former President Joe Biden, during his administration, revoked this travel ban, labeling it as a “stain on our national conscience”. The current order includes exceptions but lacks clarity on specific qualifications.
For those international travelers caught in the fray, the ramifications will depend on their visa categories. Applicants for tourism, work, or student visas from the affected nations could experience significant delays or potential denials. Travelers speaking directly to immigration lawyers or referencing the State Department’s guidelines is highly recommended for up-to-date insights.
The total ban applies squarely to 12 countries, including some not heavily discussed in mainstream media. Countries on the full ban list include: Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, and others. On a lighter note, those hailing from nations with only partial restrictions must be prepared for extra scrutiny at borders, especially with ticket purchases already made.
Effectively, travelers from the decimated countries attempting to enter the U.S. post-implementation could face denied entry altogether. Likewise, those already holding tickets are urged to communicate directly with airlines and U.S. embassies to assess their travel plans.
As for the timeline, these travel prohibitions are set to begin at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on June 9, 2025. With the method and timing still shrouded in uncertainty, the travel landscape is likely to shift dramatically for individuals from these affected areas. It’s a tense situation that demands attention to the latest updates from the Department of State as well as legal counsel for those affected.
President Trump’s new travel proclamation imposes strict entry bans on nearly 20 countries, drawing from past policies that ignited significant controversy. The measures, including full and partial bans, affect visa applicants differently, with varying implications for travel to the U.S. Significant focus remains on the response and adaptations from those already seeking to travel, and the timeline suggests this will be a critical issue in the coming months. Guidance from legal and official channels is vital for travelers navigating these complex changes.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
