Quick Read
- On June 4, 2025, Donald Trump signed a sweeping travel ban targeting 19 nations.
- 12 countries face full entry bans, while 7 have partial visa restrictions.
- The ban cites security risks, visa overstays, and weak document controls.
- Key exemptions include green card holders, refugees, and World Cup athletes.
- The ban is set to take effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 am EDT.
On June 4, 2025, US President Donald Trump revived one of his most controversial policies by signing a sweeping travel ban targeting nationals from 19 countries. Citing national security risks, visa overstays, and insufficient cooperation from certain governments, the order imposes full entry bans on 12 nations and partial visa restrictions on 7 others. The move has sparked sharp criticism domestically and abroad, reigniting debates about immigration and global diplomacy.
Which countries are affected?
The executive order divides the targeted nations into two categories. According to BBC, the 12 countries facing a complete travel ban include:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Congo-Brazzaville
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
In addition, seven nations will face partial restrictions, primarily limiting specific visa categories such as B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas. These countries are:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The ban will officially take effect at 12:01 am EDT on June 9, 2025, giving a short window for implementation and avoiding the airport chaos that accompanied the 2017 ban.
What are the reasons for this travel ban?
The Trump administration has cited several reasons for the ban. According to Times of India, the primary factors include:
- Security risks: Several countries, such as Iran and Somalia, were flagged for hosting terrorist organizations or failing to cooperate with US counterterrorism efforts.
- Visa overstays: Nations like Chad and Equatorial Guinea were highlighted for high rates of nationals overstaying their US visas.
- Weak document controls: Countries such as Sudan and Yemen were criticized for unreliable travel documents and poor screening procedures.
Trump also linked the policy to a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, involving an Egyptian national. Although Egypt is not on the banned list, the incident was used as a justification for increased scrutiny of countries with “poor vetting standards.”
Who is exempt from the ban?
Despite its broad scope, the travel ban includes several key exemptions. The following groups can still travel to the US:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and their immediate family members with immigrant visas.
- Dual nationals, as long as they are not traveling on a passport from a banned country.
- Refugees already granted asylum and certain religious minorities facing persecution, such as Iranians fleeing discrimination.
- Afghan nationals holding Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for assisting US military operations.
- Athletes, coaches, and teams participating in major international events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the 2028 Olympics.
Additionally, exemptions can be granted on a case-by-case basis if deemed to serve US national interests, according to NBC Washington.
How does this compare to the 2017 travel ban?
Trump’s latest order builds on his controversial 2017 travel ban, often dubbed the “Muslim Ban.” That initial policy targeted seven predominantly Muslim-majority nations, sparking widespread protests and legal challenges. After revisions, it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The 2025 ban, however, is broader in scope and includes non-Muslim-majority countries such as Myanmar and Venezuela.
Unlike the chaotic rollout of 2017, this iteration provides a short implementation window and includes clear exemptions. Experts believe this approach is designed to mitigate logistical and legal backlash.
What has been the global reaction?
The travel ban has drawn sharp criticism from international organizations, human rights groups, and US lawmakers. The African Union, representing 55 nations, urged the US to adopt a “balanced, evidence-based approach” that respects longstanding partnerships.
Amnesty International USA condemned the policy as “discriminatory and punitive,” while Democratic lawmakers labeled it as an extension of the first-term “Muslim Ban.” Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal argued that the move “isolates the US on the global stage.”
Some countries have vowed to address US concerns. For instance, Somalia’s ambassador to the US emphasized the nation’s commitment to improving security cooperation.
As this new travel ban takes effect, its long-term implications remain uncertain. While the administration frames it as a necessary step for national security, critics warn of potential humanitarian and diplomatic fallout. The coming weeks will reveal whether the policy withstands legal scrutiny and global opposition.