Entry Ban for Nationals from Twelve Countries Takes Effect in the U.S.
The U.S. entry ban, which affects nationals from twelve countries, began on June 9, 2025, amid concerns regarding national security.
An entry ban for nationals from twelve countries came into effect in the United States on June 9, 2025, at 04:01 GMT, following a presidential decree issued by former President Donald Trump.
The countries subject to this ban include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
This measure, described by the Trump administration as a way to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security threats, has been linked to the perceived lack of effective administration in the affected countries to ensure thorough traveler vetting and concerns regarding individuals overstaying their visas.
In addition to the twelve countries under the entry ban, nationals from seven other countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face restrictions on visa issuance.
The president compared the recent implementation of this policy to earlier measures he enforced during his first term, which were criticized as a 'Muslim ban.' Notably, four countries are present on both lists: Iran, Libya, Sudan, and Yemen.
The new restrictions follow a deadly incident on June 1, 2025, in Colorado, where an attack attributed to an Egyptian national with an expired visa injured twelve people during a pro-Israel event.
Trump cited this attack to emphasize the potential dangers associated with allowing entry to individuals who have not undergone proper vetting.
Responses to the entry ban have emerged from various international figures and organizations.
Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, voiced concerns over the broad and general scope of the restrictions in light of international law.
Human rights organization Amnesty International condemned the decree, labeling it 'discriminatory, racist, and absolutely cruel.' The African Union expressed apprehension regarding the potential negative impact of such measures on diplomatic relations with the affected countries, noting that Chad has announced a temporary suspension of visa issuance to U.S. citizens in retaliation.
U.S. Congress member Yassamin Ansari, an Iranian-American, stated on social media that she is personally affected by these travel restrictions and pledged to fight against them.
Certain exceptions to the entry ban are outlined for holders of specific visas, diplomats, and individuals whose travel serves national interests.
Additionally, athletes participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics will be exempt from these restrictions.
The countries subject to this ban include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
This measure, described by the Trump administration as a way to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security threats, has been linked to the perceived lack of effective administration in the affected countries to ensure thorough traveler vetting and concerns regarding individuals overstaying their visas.
In addition to the twelve countries under the entry ban, nationals from seven other countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face restrictions on visa issuance.
The president compared the recent implementation of this policy to earlier measures he enforced during his first term, which were criticized as a 'Muslim ban.' Notably, four countries are present on both lists: Iran, Libya, Sudan, and Yemen.
The new restrictions follow a deadly incident on June 1, 2025, in Colorado, where an attack attributed to an Egyptian national with an expired visa injured twelve people during a pro-Israel event.
Trump cited this attack to emphasize the potential dangers associated with allowing entry to individuals who have not undergone proper vetting.
Responses to the entry ban have emerged from various international figures and organizations.
Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, voiced concerns over the broad and general scope of the restrictions in light of international law.
Human rights organization Amnesty International condemned the decree, labeling it 'discriminatory, racist, and absolutely cruel.' The African Union expressed apprehension regarding the potential negative impact of such measures on diplomatic relations with the affected countries, noting that Chad has announced a temporary suspension of visa issuance to U.S. citizens in retaliation.
U.S. Congress member Yassamin Ansari, an Iranian-American, stated on social media that she is personally affected by these travel restrictions and pledged to fight against them.
Certain exceptions to the entry ban are outlined for holders of specific visas, diplomats, and individuals whose travel serves national interests.
Additionally, athletes participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics will be exempt from these restrictions.
