President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation that blocks entry into the United States for citizens of 12 countries, citing the need to guard against terrorism and other security threats. The move is part of a broader immigration crackdown launched during his second term.

Countries Facing a Full Travel Ban

The following countries are subject to a complete entry ban:

• Afghanistan

• Myanmar

• Chad

• Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Equatorial Guinea

• Eritrea

• Haiti

• Iran

• Libya

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Yemen

Countries with Partial Restrictions

Entry is partially restricted for travelers from:

• Burundi

• Cuba

• Laos

• Sierra Leone

• Togo

• Turkmenistan

• Venezuela

Key Details of the Ban

• Effective Date: June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT

• Previously Issued Visas: Remain valid and will not be revoked

• Criteria for Inclusion:

  • Known presence of terrorist groups

  • Failure to cooperate on visa and identity security

  • Inability to verify traveler identities or track criminal records

  • High rates of visa overstays in the U.S.

President Trump stated that the list of countries could expand if additional threats are identified. In a video message, he said, “We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm.”

Triggering Incident

A recent attack in Boulder, Colorado, was cited as an example justifying the restrictions. An Egyptian national allegedly threw a gasoline bomb into a crowd. Authorities said the individual had overstayed a tourist visa and was living in the U.S. without a valid work permit. Egypt is not currently on the banned list.

International Reactions

• Somalia: Expressed willingness to cooperate with the U.S. on addressing security concerns.

• Venezuela: A top government official condemned the move, calling it politically motivated and warning Venezuelans about the dangers of living in the U.S.

• Afghanistan and Myanmar: Officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Personal Impact

Individuals scheduled to travel under U.S.-sponsored programs are among those affected. A teacher from Myanmar, accepted into a State Department digital education exchange, said the future of her participation is now uncertain.

Background

President Trump implemented a similar travel ban during his first term, targeting several Muslim-majority nations. That policy was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden reversed the ban in 2021, describing it as discriminatory.

Trump has made immigration control a key part of his second-term agenda. In January 2025, he also signed an executive order requiring enhanced screening for all foreign nationals entering the country.