On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed off on a major new travel ban, one that feels like déjà vu for many. It closely mirrors the policy from his first term, but with broader reach. Dubbed the “Trump travel ban 2025,” this move blocks entry to the U.S. for nationals from 12 countries entirely, while adding partial restrictions for seven more. It kicks in fast, starting June 9, 2025, at exactly 12:01 a.m. EDT, so folks affected have just days to react.
The administration says this rebooted ban is all about national security, blaming the targeted countries for weak identity verification, lack of cooperation on visa matters, and ties to terrorism. And unlike some past iterations, this one isn’t just aimed at immigrants; non-immigrant visas like tourist or student visas are affected too. Green card holders and certain legal residents might be safe, but even that comes with caveats.
Who’s Fully Banned? Here's the List of 12 Countries
If you're from one of these 12 countries, you're looking at a total freeze on entering the U.S. unless you already hold a valid visa or qualify for a narrow exemption:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
These countries are officially on the Donald Trump travel ban list for 2025. The White House says the decision came down to “rampant terrorist activity,” spotty ID systems, and a lack of cooperation with U.S. authorities on things like criminal records and visa security.
Sound familiar? That’s because it is. Trump’s original 2017 travel ban caused widespread protests and court battles. But this time around, the administration says it’s learned from past mistakes. The guidelines are clearer, and people are getting a bit more warning.
7 More Countries Hit with Partial Bans
On top of the full ban, nationals from another seven countries are facing tighter scrutiny—though not an outright ban. The countries are:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Depending on where you’re from, you might still get in on a family-based visa, but work permits, student visas, and tourist entries could be off the table. Venezuelans, for example, may be allowed for family reunification but could hit a brick wall for business or travel purposes.
The U.S. State Department chalks this up to “deficiencies in sharing security information” or, bluntly, too many people overstaying their visas. The idea, they say, is to target specific threats without sweeping bans that might not hold up legally.
Critics Say It's Discriminatory—Trump Says It’s Safety First
Not surprisingly, this travel ban reignites an old, fiery debate. Supporters are calling it a necessary step to protect Americans. Critics say it unfairly targets vulnerable nations, some of which are already facing internal chaos.
Take Haiti, Myanmar, or Eritrea, why them? Human rights organisations are asking tough questions. Others argue the policy might not only violate international norms, but could isolate regions that already feel cut off from the world.
Online, the questions are flying: “Which countries did Trump ban?” “Can I still travel to the U.S. from Iran?” The issue’s trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, where misinformation is swirling alongside genuine concern.
Still, Trump isn’t backing down.
“We have the right to control who comes into our country,” he said during a press conference. “If nations won’t work with us on security, their citizens won’t be allowed in.”
What This Means for Travel, Family, and Global Events
There’s more than just policy at stake here; there’s real human impact. People trying to reunite with family members may now face heartbreaking delays. Others, like students or professionals, might see years of planning evaporate.
Even global events are on edge. With the FIFA World Cup and Olympics around the corner, some worry this could prevent athletes, fans, or journalists from participating if they’re from a banned nation.
And the administration? They’re leaving the door open. Trump hinted the travel ban list could be updated “at any time” if new threats arise, or if countries suddenly step up and start cooperating better.
Final Take: Where This Leaves Us
The Trump travel ban 2025 is, in many ways, a revival of one of the most controversial moves from his first presidency. This time, though, it casts a wider net; 12 countries are completely banned, and seven more are skating on thin ice.
The White House is betting on security. Opponents see xenophobia wrapped in policy. As the world reacts, one thing’s clear: U.S. immigration under Trump 2.0 isn’t just back, it’s bolder, and it’s bound to stir up more global debate.
