Trump Weighs Expanding Travel Ban to 36 More Countries

The Trump administration is considering a significant expansion of its travel ban policy, potentially adding 36 new countries—most of them in Africa, as well as several in the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania—to the list of nations facing full or partial entry restrictions to the United States. This move follows a recent ban on 12 countries and is part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy aimed at tightening U.S. border security and vetting procedures.

Background

Earlier this month, the administration enacted a proclamation barring entry to citizens from 12 countries, citing national security and terrorism concerns. The new proposal, outlined in a State Department memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, gives the 36 additional countries a 60-day deadline to address U.S. concerns or risk being added to the travel ban list.

Countries at Risk

The countries under review span several continents, with 25 located in Africa. The list also includes nations from the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania. Some of the countries named in the memo are:

• Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
• Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia
• Asia: Bhutan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Syria
• Oceania: Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Reasons for the Expansion

The administration’s memo cites several reasons for considering the expansion:

• Inadequate Vetting and Screening: Many of the countries have been flagged for failing to meet U.S. standards for identity verification and security screening.
• Unreliable Documentation: Concerns include the lack of credible government authority to issue reliable identity documents and questionable security of passports.
• Visa Overstays and Deportation Issues: Some countries have high rates of visa overstays or are uncooperative in accepting the return of their nationals who are ordered to be removed from the U.S.
• Security Threats: The memo also references links to terrorism, antisemitic, or anti-American activities by some nationals from the listed countries.

Implications

If implemented, the expanded travel ban could nearly triple the number of countries affected by U.S. entry restrictions, with significant consequences for international travel, immigration, and diplomatic relations. The move has raised concerns among human rights advocates and could impact U.S. tourism, especially as the country prepares to host major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Next Steps

The 36 countries have been given until Wednesday to submit action plans addressing U.S. requirements. Those that fail to comply within the 60-day window may face full or partial travel bans as early as August.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s consideration of a sweeping expansion to the travel ban underscores its ongoing focus on immigration enforcement and national security. The coming weeks will be critical as the affected countries respond to U.S. demands and the administration decides whether to move forward with the proposed restrictions.