U.S. Expands Travel Ban to 39 Countries. What Immigrants and Travelers Should Know
In a major update to U.S. immigration policy, the federal government has expanded its travel ban to include 39 countries, adding new nations to the list of places whose citizens now face full or partial restrictions on entering the United States. This action marks one of the largest expansions of travel restrictions in recent years and affects both immigrant and nonimmigrant travel.
At AYRA Immigration Law, in Los Angeles, we know how confusing and stressful changes like this can be for families, workers, and travelers. This post breaks down what changed, who is affected, and what you should consider if you or someone you care about is from one of these countries.
What the Expanded Travel Ban Includes
The updated travel ban was introduced through a presidential proclamation and takes effect January 1, 2026. It builds on an earlier 2025 ban that targeted 19 countries, and now applies to 39 nations with either full bans or partial restrictions.
Full List of Countries Affected by the Travel Ban
Countries With a Full Travel Ban
Nationals of the following countries face the strictest restrictions, meaning they are generally barred from entering the United States on any immigrant or nonimmigrant visa unless an exception applies:
Afghanistan
Burkina Faso
Burma (Myanmar)
Chad
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Laos
Libya
Mali
Niger
Republic of the Congo
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Sudan
Sudan
Syria
Yemen
Palestinian Authority travel document holders
Countries With Partial Travel Restrictions
Nationals from these countries face visa category‑specific restrictions, such as suspension of tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F), or other temporary visas, and sometimes immigrant visas as well:
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Benin
Burundi
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Cuba
Dominica
Gabon
The Gambia
Malawi
Mauritania
Nigeria
Senegal
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Turkmenistan
Venezuela
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Why the Travel Ban Was Expanded
The administration says the expansion is aimed at protecting national security by restricting entry from countries it considers “high risk.” Reasons cited include:
Weak identity verification systems
Poor data sharing with U.S. authorities
Concerns about visa overstays
Broader concerns about terrorism and transnational threats
This expansion builds on previous policy actions, including a freeze on immigration benefit processing for many of the same countries and broader visa restrictions introduced throughout 2025.
Who Is Affected and What You Can Expect
If you are a national of one of these 39 countries and are seeking to enter the U.S. after January 1, 2026, you may be impacted. This includes:
People applying for immigrant or nonimmigrant visas at U.S. embassies/consulates
Tourists, students, and temporary workers
Family members seeking reunification through visa sponsorship
Asylum seekers or humanitarian applicants outside the U.S.
Even those with previously approved applications may see delays or denials if their cases are under re‑review or no longer meet exception criteria.
Are There Exceptions?
Yes. The travel ban does not apply to:
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
Dual nationals entering on a passport from a non‑banned country
Diplomats and official travelers
Travelers with valid U.S. visas issued before January 1, 2026
Those granted a national interest exception
What You Should Do If Affected
Verify your country’s current status under the ban.
Check your visa or case status with USCIS or an immigration attorney.
Do not travel without first confirming eligibility for entry or visa issuance.
Gather documentation in case you may qualify for a waiver or exception.
Seek legal help, especially if your family is separated, your case is delayed, or you are unsure about next steps.
How AYRA Immigration Law Can Help
If you or a loved one is from a country impacted by the travel ban, we can help:
Confirm whether the ban affects your case
Prepare strong legal arguments for waivers or exceptions
Explore alternative immigration strategies
Monitor your case and represent you in communications with USCIS or the State Department
We represent clients in Los Angeles and nationwide. At AYRA Immigration Law, we are committed to protecting immigrant rights and helping our clients navigate complex policy changes with confidence.
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The expansion of the U.S. travel ban to 39 countries creates a new layer of difficulty for immigrants, students, workers, and families hoping to enter or reunite in the United States. Understanding how these restrictions apply to your case is the first step toward protecting your rights and planning ahead.
If you believe you or a family member is affected by the travel ban, contact AYRA Immigration Law today. We are here to guide you through it!
Source: CNN
