The Trump administration is reportedly considering extending US travel restrictions to 36 countries. Following the announcement of a travel ban in early June, affecting 12 countries, most of which are located in 12 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Internal documents suggest that a wider crackdown could be on the horizon.
State Department's Interior Memo, countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia and Pacific countries could be affected, according to a Washington Post report. The list includes up to 25 African countries along with US allies in regions such as Egypt and Djibouti. The memo, which includes the signature of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines the criteria that the country must meet to avoid bans or restrictions on new visas. These countries are given a 60-day window to comply.
New standards and security concerns
Internal communication identifies several benchmarks that the country must meet to avoid penalties. The main one is the existence of “competent and cooperative central government authorities” who can issue trustworthy identity documents and share security information with the United States.
Furthermore, the memo emphasizes that while individuals from several target countries have been allegedly involved in anti-Semitism and anti-American activities, in the US, these claims added urgency to the administration's calls for more stringent entry screenings and possible travel rights.
This is the revised section of the HTML article. Currently, we explicitly list all 36 countries.
Potentially affected countries
The memo reportedly lists 36 countries facing potential visa restrictions if they do not meet the US government's updated security and documentation standards. These countries span Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia and the Pacific. The complete list includes:
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The country is evaluated based on the reliability of its identity documents, cooperation with US security standards, and other geopolitical concerns. The 60-day deadline outlined in the memo encourages these governments to act promptly to avoid new restrictions.
Political Message and Global Impact
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Trump wrote: The statement reiterates rhetoric of previous campaigns centered on national security and border control, indicating that the administration is willing to revise or expand the list of affected countries as “new threats emerge.”
The broader implications of these policies could affect diplomatic relations with several countries, some of which are considered strategic partners in their regions. Critics argue that these moves risk sequestering the US and promoting resentment, particularly in countries with historically friendly relations.
At the same time, policy proponents see it as a necessary step to protect national interests and manage immigration more effectively. With the 60-day compliance deadline counting, foreign governments need to quickly assess and address our concerns to avoid punitive action.
Travelers from the area mentioned are encouraged to follow the latest information from local embassies and consulates and monitor official US government communications for the latest policy changes. The situation remains fluid and further announcements could follow the response of the disputed state.
