Trump Expands U.S. Travel Restrictions to Nigeria and 15 Other Countries

President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation further tightening restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals into the United States, adding 15 more countries to those subject to partial travel limitations.

The proclamation, signed on Tuesday, is part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to strengthen travel and security standards.

The newly affected countries are Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The directive maintains full travel restrictions on the original 12 high-risk countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

In addition, full restrictions have been imposed on five more countries following recent security assessments: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria. The proclamation also applies to individuals using travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial restrictions, have now been upgraded to full restrictions, while partial limitations remain in place for Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela.

The proclamation lifts non-immigrant visa bans on Turkmenistan, citing improved cooperation with U.S. authorities, but continues to restrict immigrant visas for its citizens.

Exceptions apply to lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, specific visa categories such as diplomats and athletes, and individuals whose entry is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States.