Possible U.S. Travel Ban
The Department of State has drafted a list of 43 countries that could be affected by a proposed travel ban based on an executive order signed by the President. These countries are categorized into three tiers, red, orange, and yellow, each facing different levels of travel restrictions:
- Red List: Citizens from these countries would be completely barred from entering the United States.
- Orange List: Visa approvals for these citizens would be significantly restricted, with mandatory in-person visa interviews required.
- Yellow List: These countries would have 60 days to address identified concerns. Failure to comply could result in being moved to the red or orange list.
Please be advised that this draft list is still being considered by the White House, and no travel restrictions have been officially enacted at this time. However, we strongly recommend that citizens of the affected countries refrain from international travel until further guidance has been provided. Those currently abroad should strongly consider returning to the United States promptly to mitigate the risk of potential restrictions being imposed.
We are still awaiting further information on the extent of the travel ban and whether it will prevent the issuance of new nonimmigrant or immigrant visas and/or travel to the U.S. on existing visas. We also are awaiting further information on if there will be any exemptions to the travel ban and if so, what processes will be required to apply for an exemption.
According to media reports, the ban is likely to affect the following countries:
Full visa suspension (red list):
Afghanistan
Cuba
Iran
Libya
North Korea
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Venezuela
Yemen
Partial visa suspension (orange list - tourist, student and some other visas affected):
Eritrea
Haiti
Laos
Myanmar
South Sudan
Countries recommended for a partial suspension if they do not address deficiencies (yellow list):
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Belarus
Benin
Bhutan
Burkina Faso
Cabo Verde
Cambodia
Cameroon
Chad
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dominica
Equatorial Guinea
Gambia
Liberia
Malawi
Mauritania
Pakistan
Republic of the Congo
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Sao Tome and Principe
Sierra Leone
East Timor
Turkmenistan
Vanuatu