Trump’s New Travel Ban: Up to 43 Countries Could Face Restrictions

From Afghanistan and Iran to Bhutan and Russia: Trump's potential travel ban may impact up to 43 nations

The most recent set of restrictions originates from an executive order issued by Trump on January 20, which enforces stricter security measures for foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States.

In a decision that could revive one of the most hotly debated policies of his presidency, President Donald Trump is reportedly contemplating a far-reaching travel ban that could either prohibit or significantly limit entry into the U.S. for citizens of up to 43 nations, as per a report by The New York Times.

This proposed ban, expected to be more extensive than the travel limitations implemented during Trump's first term, is currently being examined by senior diplomatic and security personnel, sources familiar with the situation told NYT.

The draft plan categorizes countries into three groups: a "red" list, which would impose a complete entry ban; an "orange" list, which would enforce selective travel restrictions, mainly on non-business travelers; and a "yellow" list, which grants nations a 60-day period to address security concerns or risk inclusion on a more restrictive list.

A revised 'red' list

At the heart of the proposal is a "red" list comprising 11 nations whose citizens would be outright banned from entering the U.S. As per officials, this includes Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.

This measure would significantly expand Trump's previous efforts to bar entry from predominantly Muslim-majority countries, as seen in his initial-term travel ban.

The final version of the list remains subject to ongoing discussions, with officials from the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and various intelligence agencies continuing to review recommendations.

More Targeted Restrictions-"orange" list

Beyond the outright bans, the proposal includes an "orange" list of 10 nations where travel would be restricted but not entirely blocked. Citizens from these countries—Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan—would face more rigorous vetting procedures, including mandatory in-person visa interviews.

While wealthy business travelers from these regions might still gain entry, those applying for immigrant and tourist visas would undergo heightened scrutiny.

Notably, Russia's placement on the "orange" list raises questions regarding Trump's broader foreign policy approach. Throughout his presidency, he sought to strengthen ties with Moscow, often drawing criticism from opponents citing human rights violations and election interference. The proposed measures could suggest a recalibration of strategy or an attempt to balance domestic opinion with security imperatives.

A 'Yellow' Warning

The draft plan also contains a "yellow" list, comprising 22 nations that are given a 60-day window to rectify perceived security inadequacies or face potential restrictions. The majority of these countries are located in Africa and the Caribbean, including Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.

The Trump administration argues that these nations fail to sufficiently share traveler information with the U.S. or have weak security protocols when issuing passports, creating potential loopholes that individuals from already-banned countries could exploit. The "yellow" list effectively serves as a warning, pushing these nations to enhance cooperation with American authorities to avoid stricter measures.

Has This Happened Before?

The proposed travel restrictions signal a return to one of Trump's hallmark policies. During his initial term, he introduced a travel ban targeting seven predominantly Muslim countries. This led to widespread legal challenges and nationwide protests, with courts blocking early versions of the order. However, a revised ban was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, allowing restrictions on travelers from eight countries, six of which had Muslim-majority populations.

Shortly after assuming office, President Joe Biden rescinded the travel bans, condemning them as discriminatory and inconsistent with American principles. "They are a stain on our national conscience," Biden had remarked at the time.

However, with Trump back in the White House, the reintroduction of travel restrictions is being justified as a necessary measure to safeguard U.S. citizens against security threats. In an executive order signed in January, Trump directed the State Department to compile a list of nations with "vetting and screening information so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals." The draft report is anticipated to reach the White House in the coming days.