Washington, March 15 — The Trump administration is weighing broad travel restrictions that could impact citizens from 41 countries, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters. The proposal divides nations into three categories, with varying levels of visa suspensions.
Ten countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, face a complete halt on US visas, the memo states.
A second group—Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan—could see partial suspensions affecting tourist, student, and immigrant visas, though some exceptions may apply.
A third category includes 26 nations, such as Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, which may face visa restrictions if their governments fail to improve security and screening measures within 60 days.
A US official, speaking anonymously, noted the list is not final and remains subject to approval by the administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The proposal mirrors Trump’s 2017 travel ban, which initially targeted seven Muslim-majority countries and was later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. It follows an executive order he signed on January 20, directing officials to enhance security vetting for foreign nationals.
That order required a list of countries with inadequate screening procedures to be submitted by March 21.
Trump, who launched his second-term immigration crackdown in October 2023, previously said restrictions would apply to travelers from Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and other regions deemed security risks.
The State Department has yet to comment on the proposed bans.
