BBC News
Donald Trump has signed a ban on travel to the United States from 12 countries, citing national security risks.
There are also seven countries where citizens face partial travel restrictions.
The US president said the list could be revised if “material improvements” were made, but other countries could add “the threats will appear all over the world.”
This is the second time he has ordered a ban on travel from a particular country. He signed a similar order during his first term in office in 2017.
Which countries are affected?
Trump has signed a declaration banning travel to the United States from citizens of 12 countries.
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Citizens of these countries are not permitted to enter the United States unless they qualify for an exemption.
There are seven more countries whose citizens face partial travel restrictions.
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People under partial restrictions cannot travel to the United States on a specific visa.
The ban will come into effect on Monday at 00:01 EDT (04:01 GMT). This is a chaos-free cushion deployed at US airports when similar measures were effectively effective in notification eight years ago.
No end dates are provided. Orders require regular reviews.
Why was the ban announced?
The White House said these “common-sense restrictions” would “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors.”
In a video posted on his Truth social website, Trump said he is suspected of a recent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado.
Twelve people were injured in Colorado in support of Israeli hostages, threw two burnt Cen devices and used makeshift flamethrowers.
The man accused of carrying out the attack has been identified as a citizen of Egypt, but Egypt is not included in the list of banned countries.
Trump has close ties with Egyptian President Abdel Fatta al-Sisi.
Only two of the 19 countries are on the US government's terrorism list – Iran, which has a full ban and Cuba, which faces partial travel restrictions.
However, national security is given as a partial reason for choice.
In the declaration, Trump said many of the listed countries “didn't accept removable citizens” from the United States, and that he “utilized” the United States by utilizing the visa system.
He added that citizens of certain countries also “substantial risks pose to overstaying visas.”
World Cup players are allowed – who else will be exempt?
There are many people in affected countries who could still be able to enter the US due to many exceptions. Orders do not apply to:
“Legal, permanent” American residents, close relatives who have received immigration visas, have US government employees with special immigration visa citizens. Support staff), and family when traveling for major sporting events, such as the 2026 Men's Football World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Additionally, the US Secretary of State may grant individuals a waiver on a “case-by-case” basis if “individuals serve in the national interests of the United States.”
What was your reaction to the ban?
Trump's latest order, expected to face legal challenges, has elicited quick responses both at home and abroad.
Chad retaliated by suspending all visas to US citizens.
Somalia, along with US ambassador Dahil Hassan Abdi, has committed to working with the US to address security issues, saying his country “loves its long-standing relationship” with the US.
Venezuelan Home Minister Diosdado Cabello warned that “being in the United States is a huge risk not only for Venezuelans, but for everyone.”
The African Union, representing all 55 countries on the continent, called the United States “entering constructive dialogue with the countries involved.”
He appealed to the United States to exercise its right to protect borders and citizens' safety in a way that is “balanced, evidence-based and reflects the long-standing partnership between the United States and Africa.”
The union said it continues to be concerned about “the potential negative impact of such measures.”
Volker Turk, the UN's head of human rights, said the ban “suggests concerns from an international law perspective.”
“The broad and broad nature of the new travel ban raises concerns from an international law perspective,” Volker Turk said in a statement.
It included “principles of non-discrimination and the need and proportionality of measures deployed to meet the stated security concerns,” he told the AFP news agency.
In the US, Democrats quickly condemned the move.
“The ban will only be extended from Trump's Muslim ban in his first term and will further quarantine us at the global stage,” Rep. Pramila Jayapal wrote on social media.
Rep. Don Bayer said Trump “betrayed” the ideals of the American founder.
Human rights group Amnesty International America described it as “discriminatory, racist and indeed cruel,” and US-based human rights were first called by the president “and yet another anti-immigrant and punitive behavior.”
But others support the ban.
Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana said travel to the United States is “a privilege, not a right.”
He claimed in BBC Radio's today's program that Americans “have had enough immigrants in our country, violated our laws and committed violence among our people.”
Greg Swenson, chairman of the UK Overseas Republican Party, said the list of countries covered by the travel ban proves that the White House uses “common sense policies,” but has expressed a sup extension that Egypt does not include.
“I think the president's decision is that despite Egypt has certain cases from illegal immigration, it may have some policies that are superior to other countries,” he said.
How is it different from last time?
Trump's first ban took place in 2017 during his first White House term and featured some of the same countries as his latest orders, including Iran, Libya and Somalia.
Critics called it a “Muslim ban” as the seven countries listed first were Muslim majority, and were soon challenged in US courts.
The White House revised its policy and eventually added two non-Muslim majority: North Korea and Venezuela. It was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 2018.
Joe Biden, who took over Trump as US president, abolished the ban in 2021, calling it “a stain on the conscience of our people.”
U.S. immigration law expert Christie Jackson said the new ban suggested that “letters have been learned” from Trump's first attempt.
The latest ban was not in place anytime soon, with restrictions “a wide range” and “clearly defined” exemptions, she told the BBC.
Law professor and former U.S. lawyer Barbara McCade said the final travel ban “spurred chaos at the border,” but this time Trump gave advance notice.
“For the first time around this included legal permanent residents or green cardholders, people who established themselves in the United States. The court found it to be a violation of the constitution,” she told BBC Newshour.
“I think this gives me more thoughts this time,” she said.
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