Major Policy Shift: US Bans Travel from 19 Countries

In a dramatic return to hardline immigration policies, former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping proclamation that will enforce travel restrictions on 19 nations starting June 9, 2025. This includes a full ban on 12 countries and partial visa restrictions for seven others.

Full Travel Ban: 12 Countries Blocked

The ban suspends almost all visa categories—tourist, student, business, and immigrant—for citizens of these countries:

Afghanistan
Myanmar (Burma)
Chad
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Republic of the Congo
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen

Chad

Haiti

Iran

Libya

Sudan

Yemen

Existing valid visas may also be rejected.

Only rare diplomatic or humanitarian cases are exempt.

Partial Restrictions: 7 Countries Face Delays and Scrutiny

Seven nations will see elevated visa scrutiny, selective suspension of visa categories, and significant processing delays:

Burundi
Cuba
Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
Venezuela

Cuba

Laos

Togo

Impact: Even approved visa holders may face entry denials on a case-by-case basis.

Student Travel Under Pressure: Harvard and Columbia Targeted

In a separate proclamation dated June 4, 2025, Trump temporarily suspended new international student admissions to Harvard University, citing national security concerns.

Meanwhile, Columbia University faces federal scrutiny and a threat of losing accreditation over alleged inaction on student harassment. This could jeopardise funding and student visa eligibility.

Visa Waiver Update: New ESTA Requirement for VWP Countries

Travellers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) nations must now upload a biometric selfie during their ESTA application. This new layer of facial recognition is already live on the mobile app and will soon roll out to the web.

Why Now? Triggered by a Terror Incident

Trump cited a recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, by an Egyptian national as justification, although Egypt is not on the ban list. The administration claims the incident exposed gaps in visa screening protocols.

Actionable Advice for Travel Professionals

If you or your clients plan to travel to the U.S. from any of the impacted nations, or through these countries, take immediate action:

◾ Verify visa status and recheck entry eligibility
◾ Update clients on the new ESTA selfie requirement
◾ Advise students to follow university updates, especially for Harvard and Columbia
◾ Prepare for delays due to heightened checks and limited processing

What This Means for the Travel Industry

This policy reversal could:

Final Takeaway

The new U.S. travel proclamation marks a significant shift with global implications. For B2B agents, visa consultants, and planners, staying proactive and informed is crucial as more changes may follow in the coming months.

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