It feels like a lifetime ago, but it’s actually happening all over again. If you’ve been watching the news lately, you know the headlines are screaming. Trump banning travel from countries isn't just a flashback to 2017; it's a massive, unfolding reality of 2026. Honestly, if you're trying to keep track of which passport lets you where, it’s a total mess right now.
Back in the day, the first travel ban (Executive Order 13769) hit like a literal sledgehammer. People were stranded in airports. Protestors swarmed JFK. It was chaos. Fast forward to today—January 2026—and we are seeing a much more "organized" but arguably more expansive version of those same policies. President Trump, now in his second term, has just signed off on a massive expansion that brings the total count of restricted countries to nearly 40.
The 2026 Reality: Trump Banning Travel From Countries (Again)
So, what’s the current situation? Basically, the administration has split the world into "Full Ban" and "Partial Ban" buckets. This isn't just about the Middle East anymore. The 2026 list has swallowed up a huge chunk of Africa and even parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
The "Full Ban" List (As of January 1, 2026)
These are the countries where almost nobody is getting a visa—immigrant or otherwise. If you're from one of these, the door is essentially locked:
- The Original Heavy Hitters: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Syria.
- The Sub-Saharan Expansion: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan.
- The Others: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Sierra Leone.
- Special Cases: Anyone using Palestinian Authority travel documents.
It’s pretty intense. For example, Laos and Sierra Leone were only partially restricted last June, but as of New Year's Day 2026, they’ve been bumped up to the full "no-entry" list. Why? The White House claims these countries have "unacceptably high" visa overstay rates or just flat-out refuse to take back their citizens when the U.S. tries to deport them.
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The "Partial Ban" List
Then you’ve got the countries that are sort of in "visa purgatory." They aren't fully banned, but getting a tourist or student visa is now an uphill battle. This list includes places like Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and even smaller nations like Tonga and Dominica.
Why is this happening now?
The administration says it’s all about vetting. They argue that if a country doesn’t share enough data on its citizens—or if it has a high rate of people overstaying their welcome—the U.S. can't be sure who's coming in.
But there’s a new twist this year: Citizenship by Investment (CBI).
Countries like Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are on the list because they "sell" passports to people who don't even live there. The U.S. government basically said, "If we don't know who you really are because you bought a passport from a Caribbean island, you aren't coming in."
The World Cup 2026 Problem
Here is a detail most people are missing: The World Cup is coming to North America this summer. Because of Trump banning travel from countries like Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire, thousands of soccer fans are suddenly realize they might not be able to watch their teams play. If they didn't have a visa before January 1, they are likely stuck. It’s creating a massive diplomatic headache for FIFA and the host cities.
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The Human Side of the Policy
It’s easy to look at a list of countries and shrug, but the reality is much messier. Families are being torn apart by these rules. Under the new December 2025 proclamation (10998), many of the previous "exceptions" were quietly deleted.
Previously, if you were a U.S. citizen, you could usually bring over your spouse or minor child even if they were from a "banned" country. That’s gone. Now, those immediate relatives are subject to the same ban unless they can secure a "National Interest Waiver."
Good luck with that. Data from the first term showed that these waivers are about as rare as a unicorn. Out of thousands of applicants, only a tiny fraction actually get approved. It’s a bureaucratic black hole.
What about the courts?
You might be wondering: Can't a judge stop this? Well, they tried in 2017. And 2018. But the Supreme Court eventually ruled in Trump v. Hawaii that the President has massive authority over immigration under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Basically, as long as the President can link the ban to "national security," the courts are very hesitant to step in.
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The 2026 bans were written specifically to avoid the legal traps of the past. They cite specific data—overstay rates, lack of biometric passports, refusal to accept deportees. By framing it as a technical security issue rather than a religious one, the administration has made it much harder for activists to sue and win.
Actionable Insights for 2026
If you or someone you know is affected by the current landscape of Trump banning travel from countries, you can't just wait for the news to change.
- Check Your Document Validity: If you are a national of a restricted country but currently hold a valid visa issued before the effective dates (June 9, 2025, or January 1, 2026), your visa is generally still valid for entry. Do not let it expire. Renewals will be nearly impossible.
- National Interest Waivers (NIW): If you are seeking an exception, start building a "hardship" case now. You need to prove that your entry to the U.S. is in the national interest or that denying you entry would cause "undue hardship." You’ll need a specialized immigration attorney for this; don't try to DIY it.
- Monitor Overstay Data: If you are from a "Partial Ban" country like Nigeria or Tanzania, be aware that your status could be upgraded to a "Full Ban" at any time if overstay rates don't improve.
- World Cup Planning: Fans from banned countries should check with their local consulates immediately. There are rumors of "Special Event Visas," but as of now, the ban takes precedence over sports.
The landscape is shifting fast. What was true last month isn't necessarily true today. Stay informed by checking the latest Federal Register notices directly, as secondary news sources often lag behind the actual implementation of these proclamations.
Next Steps for Travelers and Families
Consult with an AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) certified attorney who specializes in 212(f) waivers. Because the rules for immediate relatives changed so drastically in late 2025, old advice is likely dangerous. Ensure your legal counsel is looking at the December 16, 2025 Proclamation specifically. If you have pending applications at USCIS, be prepared for a "blanket pause" on adjudications, which has already been reported for many affected nationalities.