African countries were placed at the centre of expanded US travel restrictions as President Donald Trump signed a new national security proclamation Tuesday. The order imposes full entry bans on Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and South Sudan, deepening Washington’s scrutiny of African migration.
Syria was also added to the list, joining the African nations under the administration’s most restrictive travel limits. The proclamation further bars entry for individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, extending restrictions beyond nationality.
Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial limits, now face full entry restrictions under the revised policy. Partial restrictions remain in force for nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela, according to the White House.
The administration also introduced partial entry limits for citizens of 15 additional countries, many of them in Africa. Those countries include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The limits affect immigrants and some non-immigrant visas, including business, tourist, student and exchange categories. In a rare easing, the White House lifted non-immigrant visa restrictions on Turkmenistan, citing improved cooperation with US authorities.
However, immigrant entry for Turkmen nationals remains suspended, reflecting a measured and conditional policy shift. The White House said the new travel restrictions will take effect on January 1. The proclamation said the president has a duty to protect Americans from potential security threats entering the country.