It feels like a lifetime ago when the first "Muslim ban" headlines hit the news cycle in early 2017. People were stranded at JFK, lawyers were setting up shop on airport floors, and the world seemed to tilt on its axis for a minute. Fast forward to 2026, and we're seeing a massive resurgence—and expansion—of these policies. Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of.
If you’re trying to figure out which trump travel ban countries are currently on the restricted list, you’ve likely noticed the numbers have grown significantly since the original seven. We aren't just talking about a few nations in the Middle East anymore. As of January 1, 2026, the list has ballooned to cover 39 countries under various levels of restriction.
The 2026 Expansion: It’s Not Just Seven Countries Anymore
Basically, the administration has pivoted. The original 2017 orders (like Executive Order 13769) were tight, focused on seven Muslim-majority nations, and faced immediate, messy legal battles. Today, the logic has shifted toward "vetting capabilities" and "overstay rates."
Presidential Proclamation 10998, which kicked in on New Year's Day 2026, is the big one now. It didn't just tweak the old rules; it overhauled them. We’re looking at two distinct groups: those facing a full ban on almost all visas, and those facing partial restrictions that target specific visa types like the diversity lottery or certain business entries.
Countries Under a Full Entry Ban
If you’re from one of these 19 spots, getting any kind of visa—immigrant or non-immigrant—is incredibly difficult right now:
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- Afghanistan and Burma (Myanmar)
- Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen (The "legacy" group)
- Syria
- Chad, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso
- Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Sudan
- Haiti
- Laos and Sierra Leone
- Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea
It also applies to anyone using Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents.
Why the List is Growing So Fast
You might wonder why countries like Tonga or Antigua and Barbuda are suddenly showing up in immigration news. It’s not necessarily about terrorism anymore. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) started leaning heavily on "visa overstay rates."
For example, in late 2025, the White House pointed out that some nations had student visa overstay rates exceeding 30%. That’s a huge red flag for this administration. They also look at "reciprocity"—basically, if a country doesn't share enough data with the U.S. or refuses to take back its citizens who are being deported, they end up on the partial ban list.
The Partial Restriction List (Group 2)
This is where things get "sorta" complicated. These countries aren't fully blocked, but their citizens might be barred from the Diversity Visa (the "lottery") or B-1/B-2 visitor visas. This list currently includes:
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- Nigeria and Tanzania (Huge impact on African immigration)
- Venezuela (Mostly focused on government officials)
- Cuba and Turkmenistan
- The Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania
- Angola, Benin, and Cote d'Ivoire
- Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda
- Zambia and Zimbabwe
What Most People Get Wrong About the Ban
A common myth is that if your country is on the list, you can never enter the U.S. That’s not quite true, though it’s definitely an uphill battle.
There are "carve-outs." If you already have a valid green card or a visa that was issued before the ban took effect, you’re generally safe. Dual nationals are another big exception. If you have a passport from a banned country but also hold a passport from, say, France or Canada, you can usually travel on the non-banned passport.
The biggest heartbreak, honestly, is the lack of a humanitarian waiver. Back in the first term, there was at least a theoretical path for people needing urgent medical care or families facing extreme hardship. In the 2026 iteration, those waivers have been significantly tightened or removed for several categories.
The Legal Reality: Why the Courts Haven't Stopped It
You might remember the 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. Hawaii (2018). That was a turning point. The Court basically said the President has broad authority to suspend entry under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act if they deem it in the national interest.
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Because the newer 2025 and 2026 proclamations are written with a heavy emphasis on "security data" and "overstay percentages," they are much harder to challenge on religious discrimination grounds. The lawyers have shifted their focus to statutory arguments, but for now, the ban is very much the law of the land.
Actionable Steps If You Are Affected
If you or a family member are from one of the trump travel ban countries, don't just sit and wait. The rules change fast.
- Check your Visa Issue Date: If your visa was issued before January 1, 2026, it is usually still valid. Do not let it expire if you are currently in the U.S., as renewing it will trigger the new restrictions.
- Consult a "Section 212(f)" Expert: General immigration lawyers are great, but you need someone who specifically understands the nuances of presidential proclamations.
- Gather "Bona Fide" Evidence: If you are an immediate relative (spouse or minor child) of a U.S. citizen, you may still have a path, but you’ll need "clear and convincing" evidence of the relationship, like DNA testing or extensive documentation, especially if coming from a "high-risk" country.
- Watch for TPS Updates: Many people from Haiti and Venezuela previously used Temporary Protected Status (TPS). With many of those designations ending or being challenged, your status could shift from "protected" to "banned" overnight.
Immigration in 2026 is a moving target. The list of countries is longer than it’s ever been, and the vetting is more intense. If you're planning travel or sponsorship, start the paperwork yesterday—and keep a very close eye on the Federal Register.
Next Steps for Your Travel Planning:
- Verify your country's specific restriction level (Full vs. Partial) on the latest State Department Visa Bulletin.
- Secure an unexpired passport from a non-banned country if you hold dual citizenship.
- Ensure all immediate relative petitions (I-130) are filed with primary evidence of relationship to utilize the few remaining exemption windows.