FULL LIST: Trump Announces Sweeping U.S. Travel Ban on 12 Countries, Tightens Restrictions on Seven Others

In a major policy move, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order instituting a full travel ban on 12 countries and imposing additional restrictions on travelers from seven others. The order, which the White House says is aimed at protecting national security, will take effect on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. (Washington, D.C. time / 04:01 GMT).

Visas issued prior to that date will remain valid and will not be revoked.

National Security Concerns Cited

President Trump announced the policy in a video address, citing the recent attack at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, as a key reason for the expanded restrictions.

“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said.

“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States.”

The White House reinforced the message on social media, naming several of the affected countries, including **Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, and Libya.**

Echoes of 2017 Travel Ban

This new directive is being widely compared to Trump’s controversial 2017 travel ban, which initially targeted seven majority-Muslim nations and triggered widespread protests, airport chaos, and legal battles. Though the original ban was revised and eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, critics labeled it discriminatory.

In defending the latest move, Trump insisted it was purely a matter of national interest and not based on religion or ethnicity.

Countries Under Full Travel Ban:**

* Afghanistan

* Chad

* Congo

* Equatorial Guinea

* Eritrea

* Haiti

* Iran

* Libya

* Myanmar

* Somalia

* Sudan

* Yemen

Countries Facing Additional Travel Restrictions:**

* Burundi

* Cuba

* Laos

* Sierra Leone

* Togo

* Turkmenistan

* Venezuela

The policy is expected to draw both political support and backlash, with national security, immigration, and civil liberties once again taking center stage in the American debate.