WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a full travel ban on travelers from 12 countries and additional restrictions on citizens from seven others, the White House announced.
The countries subject to the complete ban include Afghanistan, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Furthermore, citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face heightened visa restrictions.
In a statement, President Trump emphasized the need to protect national security, citing recent threats and attacks as justification. He stated, “I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people.”
The order will take effect on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. local Washington, D.C. time (04:01 GMT). Visas issued before this date will remain valid.
In a White House video, Trump highlighted the recent attack on a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, as evidence of the dangers posed by unvetted foreign nationals.
He warned against allowing “open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those seeking entry,” asserting, “We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm.”
