The United States is reportedly considering a new travel ban that could impact citizens from 43 nations, imposing varying degrees of restrictions. According to a report by The New York Times, the proposed list, compiled by the State Department, categorizes countries into three levels of travel limitations.
The strictest restrictions fall under the “red” category, where citizens from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen could face a complete entry ban into the US.
A second group of 10 countries—Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan—falls under the “orange” category. While visas for these nations would be significantly limited, certain affluent business travelers might still be permitted entry. Immigrant and tourist visa applicants from these countries would also be subject to mandatory in-person interviews.
The “yellow” category consists of 22 countries whose citizens currently face no immediate restrictions but have been given a 60-day period to address US concerns. Failure to comply could see them moved to a stricter category with harsher travel limitations.
Officials quoted in the report, speaking anonymously, indicated that the proposed list was prepared by the State Department several weeks ago and may undergo revisions before reaching the White House.
If implemented, the move would resemble the controversial travel restrictions of former President Donald Trump’s first term, widely referred to as the “Muslim ban.” The original 2017 ban, which barred entry for citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, faced strong domestic and international backlash, leading to legal challenges. While Iraq and Sudan were later removed from the list, the US Supreme Court upheld a modified version of the ban in 2018, which also included North Korea and Venezuela.
As discussions on the new policy continue, global reactions are expected, with debates over national security and human rights likely to intensify.