President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced new travel restrictions affecting citizens from 24 countries, citing “persistent, severe, and demonstrated deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” that, according to the White House, pose threats to U.S. national security and public safety.

The announcement was detailed in a White House fact sheet titled “President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States.” The proclamation imposes full entry suspensions on eight countries and partial restrictions on 16 others, affecting both immigrants and nonimmigrants holding B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.

The administration emphasized that the move aims to prevent entry of foreign nationals for whom the United States lacks adequate information to assess potential security risks, while ensuring enforcement of existing immigration laws.

Full Suspension

The following eight jurisdictions face a complete entry ban due to national security concerns, visa overstay rates, and, in some cases, internal conflict or governance challenges:

Burkina Faso

Terrorist organizations remain active throughout the country. The Fiscal Year 2024 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Overstay Report indicates a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.16 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 22.95 percent. Additionally, Burkina Faso has historically refused to accept the return of removable nationals.

Laos

Laos recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 28.34 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 11.41 percent. DHS reports for 2023 also show similar overstay concerns. The country has a history of failing to accept back deported nationals.

Mali

Armed conflict between government forces and armed groups continues across Mali. Certain areas remain under the influence of terrorist organizations, raising security concerns.

Niger

Terrorist activity and threats of kidnappings remain a concern nationwide. DHS reports indicate B-1/B-2 visa overstays of 13.41 percent and F, M, J visa overstays of 16.46 percent.

Sierra Leone

The country exhibits high overstay rates, with B-1/B-2 overstays at 16.48 percent and F, M, and J overstays at 35.83 percent. Sierra Leone has historically failed to repatriate deported nationals.

South Sudan

DHS reports show B-1/B-2 visa overstays at 6.99 percent and F, M, and J overstays at 26.09 percent. The country has historically not accepted deported nationals.

Syria

Following years of civil unrest, Syria lacks a reliable central authority to issue secure travel documents. B-1/B-2 visa overstays are reported at 7.09 percent and F, M, J overstays at 9.34 percent.

Palestinian Authority (PA) Documents

Travelers using PA-issued or endorsed documents cannot currently be properly vetted due to ongoing conflicts and the presence of U.S.-designated terrorist groups in the West Bank and Gaza.

Partial Suspension

Sixteen countries, including Nigeria, face partial restrictions, mainly affecting short-term business, tourism, student, and exchange visas:

Nigeria

Flagged for visa overstay issues and gaps in information sharing.

Angola

B-1/B-2 visa overstays are 14.43 percent, while F, M, and J overstays are 21.92 percent.

Antigua and Barbuda

Concerns arise from its Citizenship by Investment program, which allows citizenship without long-term residency.

Additional countries under partial suspension

The proclamation also applies to 13 other countries, similarly flagged for non-compliance, high visa overstays, or inadequate information sharing, according to U.S. authorities.

Implications

U.S. officials note that restrictions may be reviewed or lifted if affected countries demonstrate improvements in document security, vetting procedures, and cooperation with American immigration authorities. The measures are expected to have diplomatic and economic impacts, particularly for nations with strong travel, business, and educational ties to the United States.

Travelers from the affected countries are advised to consult U.S. embassies or official channels for guidance regarding pending or future visa applications.