June 4, 2025 — The Trump administration has implemented a new entry ban that restricts or prohibits citizens from specific countries from entering the United States. The policy, which takes immediate effect, categorizes affected nations into two tiers with varying degrees of restrictions.

12 Countries Face Complete Entry Ban

Under the new measures, travelers from the following 12 countries are completely barred from entering the U.S. unless they qualify for specific exemptions:

  • Afghanistan
  • Myanmar
  • Chad
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Libya
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Yemen

Exemptions: Certain individuals from banned countries may still qualify for entry, including:

  • Those holding valid passports issued on or after June 9, 2025
  • Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
  • Dual nationals traveling on passports from non-banned countries
  • Immediate family members of U.S. citizens (spouses and children)
  • Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants
  • Diplomatic visa holders

Visa Restrictions and Processing Challenges

The administration has suspended processing for several visa categories affecting banned countries:

  • F2A and F2B visas (spouses and children of green card holders)
  • Diversity visas (DV lottery)
  • Work visas (H, L, O categories)
  • Student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, J)
  • Visitor visas (B category)
  • K-1 fiancé(e) visas

While refugees and asylum seekers aren't explicitly covered by the ban, their applications may face increased scrutiny and potential denial at consular interviews.

7 Additional Countries Face Entry Restrictions

Travelers from these nations face heightened visa processing requirements and additional screening:

  • Burundi
  • Cuba
  • Laos
  • Sierra Leone
  • Togo
  • Turkmenistan
  • Venezuela

Applicants from these countries should anticipate extended processing times, additional documentation requirements, and more rigorous security checks at ports of entry.

Policy Review and Travel Advisory

The administration has announced it will review the ban after 90 and 180 days, potentially adjusting the list of affected countries. Travelers are advised to:

  • Monitor official State Department updates for policy changes
  • Verify their visa status before making travel arrangements
  • Allow extra processing time for any visa applications
  • Consult with immigration attorneys if currently abroad from banned countries

The policy has already drawn criticism from immigrant advocacy groups and some lawmakers, while supporters argue it strengthens national security. The full impact on international travel patterns and diplomatic relations remains to be seen.