The government issued a travel ban on twelve countries and placed limitations on seven more. The full travel ban begins on June 9, 2025. It’s unclear if the partial ban will begin on the same day. The travel ban applies to all individuals with minor exceptions, including green card holders.
The countries covered in the full ban include:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- the Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
The partial ban applies to:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Together, the two bans target nineteen countries and roughly four-hundred and seventy-five million people.
The ban may affect multiple industries such as STEM, healthcare, education, research, agriculture, and manufacturing. Employers can no longer sponsor workers from the twelve fully banned countries. They should also expect longer processing times and increased scrutiny for sponsors and individuals from the seven partially restricted countries.
While the ban includes those pursuing immigrant or nonimmigrant visas, there are a few exceptions. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, holders of special immigrant visas, and athletes and coaches traveling for the World Cup, Olympics or other major sporting events can still enter the country.
The Trump administration first announced plans for a travel ban back in January. The government explained that the prohibited countries lack sufficient vetting screening procedures, making the restrictions necessary. Whether the bans are meant to be permanent if said countries don’t improve vetting procedures is uncertain.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.