June 4, 2025 — The Trump administration unveiled a sweeping new travel ban today that imposes entry restrictions on citizens from 19 countries, marking the most significant immigration policy shift since 2020. The executive order, which takes effect immediately, categorizes affected nations into two tiers with varying degrees of restrictions.
Complete Travel Ban: 12 Countries
Citizens from the following nations are barred from entering the United States unless they qualify for specific exemptions:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Exemptions Apply For:
- Valid visa holders who obtained documentation before June 9, 2025
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Dual nationals traveling on passports from unrestricted countries
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, children under 21, parents of adult citizens)
- Diplomatic and official visa holders (A, G, NATO categories)
- Select religious minorities from Iran
- Participants in major international sporting events
Notably, citizens from these nations who leave the U.S. may face re-entry barriers, including additional screening for exempted categories like permanent residents. The ban affects most nonimmigrant visas including student (F/M), exchange visitor (J), temporary worker (H/L/O), and visitor (B) classifications.
Partial Restrictions: 7 Countries
Travelers from these nations face selective limitations:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Restrictions include:
- Suspension of new immigrant visas
- Non-issuance of B, J, F, and M category visas
- Reduced validity periods for other nonimmigrant visas
- Extended processing times and additional documentation requirements
The administration stated these measures will undergo review after 90 and 180 days, with possible expansion to additional countries.
Travel Considerations
Consultation Recommended
Immigration attorneys strongly advise non-citizens to:
- Obtain legal counsel before international travel if from affected nations
- Avoid travel if undocumented or with pending immigration applications
- Monitor policy updates which may change rapidly
Safety Protocols
Travelers should:
- Ensure all documents are current and match identification exactly
- Carry essential documents (not in checked luggage) including attorney contacts
- Develop contingency plans for potential entry denial or detention
- Understand rights during border inspections
- Minimize sensitive data on electronic devices when crossing borders
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed enhanced screening procedures at all ports of entry, with particular scrutiny for travelers who have visited restricted nations. Legal challenges to the order are anticipated, though none had been filed as of publication time.