Under the updated order, nationals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone will be barred from entering the United States unless they qualify for specific exemptions.
The new proclamation also includes people traveling with Palestinian Authorityâ€"issued travel documents.
The White House explained that the expanded travel ban targets countries with 'persistent and severe deficiencies' in vetting, screening, and information‑sharing that officials say pose national security and public safety risks.
Syria, long affected by conflict and governance challenges, is one of the most notable additions to the list, reflecting ongoing concerns about the country's ability to provide reliable documentation or cooperate with U.S. security processes.
This policy builds on a broader set of restrictions that already applied to several other nations earlier in 2025. Under prior proclamations, dozens of countries had faced either full or partial limitations on visas and entry to the United States. The latest expansion increases the number of affected countries to nearly 40 when including both full bans and partial restrictions.
The administration has defended the expanded travel ban as a necessary step to safeguard the American public, citing gaps in international vetting systems and recent security incidents.
Among the examples referenced by officials is a shooting involving an Afghan national, which they say demonstrated vulnerabilities in the current screening process.
The announcement has triggered a range of reactions. Supporters of the policy say it is essential to protect U.S. borders and prevent terrorism or criminal threats, while critics argue that the ban could harm diplomatic relationships, disrupt travel and education, and unfairly impact families and students from the affected countries. Civil liberties organizations have also described parts of the policy as discriminatory.
Despite the broad restrictions, exceptions remain. Foreign nationals who already hold valid U.S. visas or lawful permanent residency are generally exempt from the ban. Diplomatic travelers, certain categories of workers, and individuals whose entry is deemed in the national interest may also qualify for waivers or exemptions.
The new travel restrictions will become effective at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026, and consular officers, as well as border authorities, are preparing to implement the expanded policy in the coming weeks.
Rania Umutoni
