Trump’s new travel ban on 12 countries goes into effect
Donald Trump’s new travel ban is now in effect, preventing citizens from 12 countries, including several in Africa, from entering the US.
US President Donald Trump officially enacted a new travel ban on Monday, 9 June.
BBC reports that the ban prevents nationals from 12 countries from entering the US.
The affected countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Travellers from seven other countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela – will also face partial restrictions.
Why has Trump issued the ban?
According to reports, the White House said the so-called “common sense restrictions” was meant to protect national security and prevent “dangerous foreign actors” from entering the US.
Trump has now implemented a broad travel ban for the second time. He signed a similar policy in 2017 during his first term, which sparked widespread legal battles and protests.
Who’s still allowed to enter the country?
While the order is sweeping, it does include several exemptions. The travel ban does not apply to:
- Lawful permanent US residents (green card holders)
- Immediate family members of US residents who hold immigrant visas
- US government employees with Special Immigrant Visas
- Children being adopted by US citizens
- Dual nationals when the individual is not travelling on a passport from one of the affected countries
- Afghan nationals with Special Immigrant Visas
- Holders of “immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran”
- Foreign nationals entering with specific non-immigrant visas
- Athletes, coaches, and support staff attending major sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles