US Plans Major Travel Ban on 36 Countries: What Travelers & Travel Pros Need to Know

The United States is preparing to expand its travel restrictions to include 36 countries, mostly in Africa and the Caribbean. This move aims to reinforce security and identity verification measures. With a strict 60-day deadline, the decisions made in the coming weeks will significantly affect airline bookings, visa processes, and travel strategies for students, families, and travel professionals alike.

What the New Travel Ban Means

The US State Department has reportedly notified 36 nations that they must meet enhanced visa and security standards within 60 days, or face full or partial entry bans. In practice, this could halt tourist, student, and work visa issuance depending on each country’s compliance. The affected nations span:

• Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and more

• Caribbean: Saint Lucia, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Kitts & Nevis

• Asia & Pacific: Bhutan, Syria, Tonga, Vanuatu, etc.
  
  

Why These Countries Are Targeted

Authorities flagged these nations due to concerns over:

• Weak identity verification and government document systems

• High rates of visa overstays

• Failure to accept deported citizens

• Fraud vulnerabilities and security risks

These factors prompted the US to issue a collective warning designed to enforce stricter travel protocols and passenger vetting.

The 60-Day Compliance Demand

The affected countries have been ordered to:

• Submit an initial action plan within a few days

• Fully meet visa-security standards within 60 days

Failure to comply may result in full or specific visa category bans, disrupting tourism, outbound education, and business travel.

Travel Challenges Ahead

With indirect cancellations looming, travellers and travel professionals should prepare for:

• Disrupted bookings and sudden visa denials

• Delays in student or work visa issuance

• Need for repatriation planning support

• Diplomatic strain affecting broader mobility

Travel agents, airline operators, and visa consultants must proactively monitor updates and guide clients accordingly.

History of US Travel Bans

This possible expansion builds on the recent June 2025 travel restrictions affecting 19 countries—12 now fully banned and 7 with partial restrictions. Some newly flagged nations overlap with these earlier measures.

What Travel Businesses Should Do

• Monitor visa policy updates in real-time

• Proactively inform clients about changing entry requirements

• Evaluate insurance policies for cancellations due to travel bans

• Stay in touch with embassies and airlines for guidance and flexibility
  
  

Final Takeaway

The US’s proposed travel ban on 36 nations underscores a tightening visa regime aimed at enhancing security. While intended to protect American borders, this policy will impact global mobility, especially for travellers, students, and business professionals from affected countries. For travel stakeholders, anticipating these developments and offering proactive solutions is crucial to navigating upcoming disruptions.

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