WASHINGTON DC: US President Donald Trump is preparing to impose broad travel restrictions on 43 countries, including Russia and Belarus, as part of a major immigration crackdown, international media reports said.
The proposed policy, which has not yet been finalized, divides countries into three categories. Some will face total visa suspensions, while others will be subject to partial restrictions.
A memo obtained by The New York Times reveals that Russian visas will likely face “significant restrictions,” while Belarusian citizens could face severe limitations on their access to the U.S.
Countries included in the list have been told they must resolve certain issues within 60 days or remain banned.
The draft policy places 11 countries — including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea — in the most severe category, facing full visa suspensions.
A second group of 10 nations will face partial suspensions, affecting tourist, student, and immigration visas with some exceptions.
A third group of 22 countries could see visa restrictions if they fail to address security concerns, such as weak passport security, inadequate data sharing, or the sale of citizenships to individuals from already banned countries.
A U.S. official mentioned that the list is still subject to change and has not yet been approved by the administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
This proposal mirrors Trump’s 2017 travel ban, which targeted several Muslim-majority countries and was later overturned by Joe Biden in 2021.
Some countries from the original “Muslim Ban” list reappear, but this new proposal is far broader, according to reports.
Critics have questioned the inclusion of certain countries, like Bhutan — known for its low crime rates — while major global powers like China and India are not included.
Wealthy businessmen or visa holders from affected countries could still enter the U.S. under restricted categories, but they would need to attend in-person interviews to get travel approval, according to The New York Times.
The travel ban proposal coincides with Trump’s efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump warned that World War III could easily occur if peace talks fail, noting the devastating potential of nuclear weapons.
He has been in direct talks with Vladimir Putin, urging him to spare Ukrainian soldiers trapped in the Kursk region. In response, Putin expressed sympathy but insisted that Ukraine must surrender.
Which countries could face restrictions or bans?
Several countries may face strict travel restrictions under this proposal. Some could face outright bans, others significant visa limitations, and some will have 60 days to resolve specific concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the potential restrictions:
Complete Travel Ban: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.
Severe Visa Restrictions: Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.
60 Days to Resolve Issues: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, 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.
Reports said that the growing global tensions have cast a shadow over Trump’s immigration policies, which he has made a cornerstone of his presidency.
The State Department has not yet commented on the proposed travel restrictions, and it remains unclear if individuals with existing visas or green cards will be exempt from the ban.
(Inputs from international news agencies)
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