BREAKING: U.S. Weighs Expansion of Travel Ban to 36 Countries Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt Among Them
Date: June 16, 2025
The U.S. State Department is currently reviewing a proposal that could significantly extend America’s travel restrictions by adding citizens from 36 more countries to its visa ban list. The report, revealed in an internal cable signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was obtained and published by Reuters.
What’s at Stake
• The initial travel ban, implemented on June 4, 2025, already limits entry for citizens from 12 countries primarily in Africa and the Middle East with seven additional nations facing partial restrictions.
• The potential expansion targets 36 more countries, including Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and Zimbabwe, among others.
• These countries have 60 days to meet U.S. benchmarks like improving passport security, visa compliance, identity document reliability, and cooperation on deportations or risk a full or partial ban.
Why This Matters
• The State Department cites national security and public safety as driving factors including concerns over terrorism ties, visa overstays, and weak civil documentation systems.
• Countries with inadequate cooperation on deportations are also under scrutiny, heightening diplomatic tensions for many African and Caribbean nations.
Real-World Fallout
The proposal, if enacted, could disrupt tourism, student exchanges, and business travel across the affected countries. For travelers from Ghana, Nigeria, and Egypt key feeder markets in Africa this would mean a sudden halt in visa issuance and entry permissions unless compliance is achieved within the review window.
Outlook
This move forms part of a broader tightening of U.S. immigration policy under the current administration. Affected governments now face a diplomatic deadline: act within 60 days or face partial/full travel restrictions.
For travelers, travel agencies, and industry stakeholders especially those in the travel, education, and business sectors—it’s essential to monitor these diplomatic developments closely.
Stay tuned to our site as we track this situation. We’ll provide updates on affected countries, benchmark progress, official actions, and travel advisories impacting global travelers.
[02:06, 6/16/2025] Rey: The U.S. government is considering expanding its travel ban to include 36 more countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Angola, Niger, and Zimbabwe. This follows concerns over national security, weak passport systems, and lack of cooperation on deportations. Affected countries have 60 days to meet U.S. requirements or face full or partial visa bans. If implemented, this policy could significantly impact travel, tourism, education, and business relations with these nations.