Trump Travel Ban 2025: List of Countries That Are Rumored To Be in the Proposed Draft

Updated: 24 March 2025, 11:01 am

The Trump administration is reportedly evaluating a plan to impose travel restrictions on citizens from up to 43 countries, expanding beyond the limitations enforced during President Trump’s first term, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

A preliminary list compiled by diplomatic and security experts outlines a “red” category consisting of 11 nations whose citizens would face a complete entry ban to the United States. These countries include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, officials stated.

Wondering which other countries might be affected, why these restrictions are being considered, and how travelers could be impacted? Read this blog to explore the full list of countries, the different restriction categories, and the potential consequences for travelers, businesses, and foreign nationals.

Trump Travel Ban Countries List for 2025 (Rumored)

Several of these countries—Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen—have been linked to ongoing conflicts, political instability, or the presence of terrorist organizations. U.S. policymakers may argue that weak governance and security threats in these regions make it difficult to properly vet travelers, increasing the risk of extremist infiltration.

Nations such as Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela have long-standing adversarial relationships with the United States, facing heavy economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Restrictions may serve as a pressure tactic or reflect broader geopolitical tensions.

Some of these countries struggle with weak documentation systems, making it difficult for U.S. authorities to verify traveler identities, which officials cite as a national security risk. Many were also part of previous Trump-era travel bans, suggesting this proposal builds on prior policies rather than introducing new criteria. Additionally, expanding travel restrictions aligns with Trump’s political messaging on immigration, appealing to voters focused on national security and border control. However, critics argue that such broad bans unfairly impact civilians, reinforce discrimination, and strain diplomatic relations. The exact reasoning remains unconfirmed, but it reflects historical U.S. immigration strategies.

Trump’s First Term Travel Ban

In January 2017, shortly after taking office, former President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 13769, titled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.” The order, which primarily affected several Muslim-majority countries, barred Syrian refugees from entering the U.S. and temporarily restricted travel from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

The order led to disruptions at airports and protests across the country. Several federal judges blocked its enforcement, citing concerns that it disproportionately targeted Muslim-majority nations and may have violated U.S. immigration laws.

A revised version was later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, maintaining travel restrictions on individuals from Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. These countries could potentially face renewed restrictions if a new travel ban is introduced.

In 2021, President Joe Biden rescinded the ban, stating that it was inconsistent with U.S. immigration principles and had caused unnecessary hardship by separating families. His executive order officially ended the policy, allowing affected individuals to resume travel to the United States under standard visa regulations.

Also on the list: Caribbean Countries Offering Citizenship

Several Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programs are reportedly included in the proposed 2025 U.S. travel restrictions. These nations include:

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment program allows foreign investors to obtain citizenship through contributions to the National Development Fund, real estate investments, or business ventures. The initiative was designed to boost economic growth by attracting international capital.

Dominica

Dominica Citizenship by Investment program has been in operation since 1993, making it one of the longest-standing programs in the world. Through the Dominica Citizenship by Investment initiative, applicants can obtain citizenship by making a qualifying investment in the Economic Diversification Fund or approved real estate projects. This program has played a crucial role in attracting foreign direct investment, contributing to national development, and strengthening the country’s economic resilience.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment program offers citizenship in exchange for investments in the Sustainable Growth Fund or real estate. The program has significantly contributed to diversifying the country’s economy beyond its traditional industries.

Saint Lucia

Since 2015, the Saint Lucia Citizenship by Investment program grants citizenship through investments in the National Economic Fund, government bonds, real estate, or enterprise projects. The program was created to attract capital and support various economic sectors.

These nations are reportedly listed in the “yellow category” of the draft proposal, meaning they have 60 days to address specific security concerns to avoid potential travel restrictions. However, the inclusion of these countries remains part of an unfinalized draft, and Caribbean governments are seeking clarification from U.S. authorities on how this may impact their citizens.

Concerns Reported by The US Authorities

U.S. authorities have raised concerns about the Citizenship by Investment programs run by certain Caribbean nations, which may have contributed to their inclusion in the proposed travel restrictions. The main issues cited include:

1. Limited Information Sharing

Some countries reportedly do not adequately share details about individuals obtaining citizenship through CBI programs. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for U.S. authorities to conduct comprehensive background checks on travelers, raising security concerns.

2. Weak Security Measures in Passport Issuance

There are concerns that certain nations may not enforce strict security protocols when issuing passports under these programs. Inadequate vetting processes could allow individuals who pose potential security risks to acquire citizenship and gain easier access to other countries, including the U.S.

3. Possible Loopholes for Sanctioned Individuals

Officials worry that CBI programs may enable individuals from sanctioned countries to obtain second citizenships, allowing them to bypass U.S. travel restrictions. This could weaken the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy measures.

With growing concerns over CBI programs, individuals looking to obtain a second passport should carefully evaluate whether the benefits outweigh potential restrictions. To understand how these programs compare, check out the Top Pros and Cons of Dual Citizenship by Investment in 2025 before making an informed choice.

Draft Status

According to The New York Times, officials from U.S. embassies, the State Department, and security agencies are reviewing a draft list of countries proposed for the 2025 Trump Travel Ban. Reuters reports that the list is still unfinalized and subject to change. The administration has given the State Department a 60-day deadline from January 20 to identify countries with inadequate screening procedures, which could lead to partial or full travel restrictions.

Analysts have raised concerns about the focus on smaller, developing nations, questioning why larger countries with similar issues aren’t facing the same scrutiny. Experts also stress the importance of considering diplomatic efforts by the listed countries before final decisions are made.

These developments follow a recent executive order by President Trump, which mandates stricter vetting of foreign nationals as part of broader efforts to strengthen U.S. immigration and border control policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Pakistan on the Trump travel ban 2025 list?

Pakistan is reportedly among the countries listed in the draft of President Trump’s proposed 2025 travel restrictions, facing potential partial visa suspensions. 

2. What happens to the travelers already holding valid visas to the US?

Travelers with valid U.S. visas may face additional screening, entry denials, or visa suspensions depending on their country’s status under the 2025 travel restrictions.

3. Can the countries make a case for revoking the travel ban?

Yes, affected countries can legally challenge the travel ban, as demonstrated by previous successful lawsuits against similar U.S. policies. 

4. How does the 2025 Trump travel ban differ from the previous bans?

The 2025 travel ban is reportedly broader, potentially affecting up to 43 countries, including new additions beyond the restrictions imposed during Trump’s first term. It also categorizes countries into different levels of restrictions based on security and documentation concerns.

5. Will U.S. green card holders from affected countries be impacted?

Green card holders are typically exempt from travel bans, but past restrictions have led to increased scrutiny, delays, and entry issues at airports. It remains unclear how the 2025 travel ban will specifically affect lawful permanent residents.

6. How will business travelers be affected by the Trump Travel Ban 2025?

Business visas could face additional restrictions, especially from countries on the “Orange” or “Red” lists, potentially affecting trade, investments, and corporate mobility.