At least 12 nations face a total ban on entry, while another 7 nations are under partial restrictions. According to the Republican, the action involves national security concerns, terrorist threats, and immigration-related issues.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed on Wednesday (4th), a proclamation restricting the entry of citizens from 19 countries into the U.S. According to a document released by the White House, the measure will take effect next Monday (9th).

According to the document, the restrictions aim to protect their citizens from terrorist attacks and other threats to national or public security. Most nations on the list are facing conflicts or humanitarian crises. (Check the affected countries below).

"I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people," Trump says in the document.

The President also emphasized the need to identify individuals who may harm Americans or national interests before their admission or entry into the U.S., ensuring they do not harbor hostile attitudes or support terrorists.

"The U.S. must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that foreign nationals approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests. More importantly, the United States must identify such foreigners before their admission or entry into the U.S.," the order states.

The executive order results from a coordinated process between the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence.

According to the proclamation, a report presented on April 9, 2025, identified countries with "so deficient" screening and verification information that justified a total or partial suspension of the admission of their citizens.

The countries affected by the total ban are:

  • Afghanistan

  • Chad

  • Congo

  • Eritrea

  • Equatorial Guinea

  • Haiti

  • Iran

  • Yemen

  • Libya

  • Myanmar

  • Somalia

  • Sudan

Those facing partial travel restrictions are:

  • Burundi

  • Cuba

  • Laos

  • Sierra Leone

  • Togo

  • Turkmenistan

  • Venezuela

Trump lists the reason for the decision for each country. Most include a high rate of overstaying in the U.S. after visa expiration and the existence of conflicts in the territory.

The difference between partial and total restrictions lies in the type of visa for each foreign citizen. In countries where the ban is total, no type of visa will be accepted. Nations facing partial restrictions have specifications.

"Some of the countries with deficiencies face significant challenges in reform efforts. Others have made important improvements in their protocols and procedures, and I congratulate them for those efforts. But until the countries with identified deficiencies resolve them, members of my Cabinet recommended certain restrictions and conditional limitations," Trump states in the document.

Exceptions

The measure applies only to foreign citizens of the designated countries who will be outside the United States on the effective date of the proclamation and who do not have a valid visa on that date.

The White House also stated that athletes, including coaches and close relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting events are exempt.