Five more countries and those traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority face a full ban on travel to the US.The Times of Russia reports that the Trump administration has announced a significant expansion of US travel and immigration restrictions, extending sweeping limits to 20 additional countries along with travelers holding documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. The move effectively doubles the number of nations impacted by the travel measures first unveiled earlier this year, reinforcing Washington’s stricter approach to border security and immigration.
According to officials in Washington, the updated policy introduces a full travel ban on five newly added countries while imposing partial restrictions on 15 others. In a notable development, individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority-issued documents now face a complete prohibition on entering or emigrating to the United States. The revised proclamation is scheduled to take effect from January 1.
The administration framed the decision as part of a broader effort to tighten US entry standards. Officials cited concerns over national security, immigration enforcement, and vetting challenges, particularly following the arrest of an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House during the Thanksgiving period.
Despite the expanded restrictions, certain exemptions remain in place. Lawful permanent residents, individuals with valid existing visas, diplomats, athletes, and travelers whose entry is deemed to serve US national interests will not be affected by the ban.
Earlier in June, President Donald Trump had already restricted travel from 19 countries, reviving one of the most controversial policies of his first term. That initial list included Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Haiti, Eritrea, and several African and Asian nations, while partial limitations were imposed on others such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Turkmenistan.
Under the latest announcement, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria have been added to the fully restricted category. An additional group of countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Tanzania, will now face partial entry limitations. The restrictions apply to both short-term visitors and individuals seeking permanent immigration to the United States.
US officials stated that many of the affected countries face issues such as unreliable civil documentation, high visa overstay rates, corruption, or limited government control, all of which complicate security screening procedures. Foreign policy considerations and regional instability were also cited as contributing factors.
The updated policy has drawn criticism from humanitarian organizations and immigration advocates. Groups supporting Afghan nationals who assisted US forces expressed alarm that the revised travel rules appear to remove long-standing protections for applicants under the Special Immigrant Visa program, which was designed for Afghans who supported American military efforts at great personal risk.
Advocacy organizations argued that these individuals undergo extensive vetting and that barring them undermines both humanitarian commitments and long-term security interests. International response has also begun to emerge, with governments from newly affected countries stating they are seeking clarification from US authorities.
The expansion also deepens restrictions on Palestinians. The administration said the decision was based on security concerns, citing the presence of US-designated militant groups in the West Bank and Gaza, as well as challenges in conducting reliable background checks amid ongoing conflict.
As reactions continue to unfold globally, the policy is expected to face legal and political challenges within the United States. Critics argue that national security is being used as a justification for broad-based exclusions, while the administration maintains that the measures are necessary to protect American interests.
The Times of Russia will continue to monitor developments as the expanded travel restrictions take effect and international responses evolve.
