On December 16, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a new Presidential Proclamation, titled Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States, substantially expands the travel restrictions first established in June 2025 (Proclamation 10949). This new order imposes more stringent vetting requirements and adds nearly 20 additional countries to the restricted list.
Countries subject to full entry restrictions:
- Afghanistan
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
- Burkina Faso*
- Laos*
- Mali*
- Niger*
- Sierra Leone*
- South Sudan*
- Syria*
- Individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority are also subject to restriction. *
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
- Angola*
- Antigua and Barbuda*
- Benin*
- Côte d’Ivoire*
- Dominica*
- Gabon*
- The Gambia*
- Malawi*
- Mauritania*
- Nigeria*
- Senegal*
- Tanzania*
- Tonga*
- Zambia*
- Zimbabwe*
Another significant policy change under the December 16 Proclamation is the narrowing of categorical exceptions for family-based immigrant visas. Unlike previous orders, familial ties to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents no longer provide a broad, automatic exception from the travel restrictions. The administration asserts that these ties have served as “unique vectors” for fraudulent or criminal activity. As such, family-based immigrant visa applicants from restricted countries must now seek individualized, case-by-case exceptions, which are granted only at the strict discretion of the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security when the travel is determined to serve a “United States national interest.”
No immigrant or nonimmigrant visa issued before the effective date will be revoked pursuant to this Proclamation.
Individuals from the affected countries who are currently in the United States are strongly advised to refrain from international travel unless absolutely necessary, and to consult with an immigration attorney before departure. Reentry may be denied even with a valid visa. Employers and individuals with pending applications or upcoming travel plans should closely monitor developments and prepare for possible delays or increased scrutiny at ports of entry.