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U.S. Expands Travel Ban as of June 9, 2025

On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued Presidential Proclamation 10949 — titled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” The ban took effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025.

Scope: Countries Affected
Full Entry Ban (12 Countries)

Nationals from the following countries are completely barred from entering or obtaining visas (immigrant & nonimmigrant) unless exempted:

  • Afghanistan
  • Burma / Myanmar
  • Chad
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Libya
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Yemen

Partial Restrictions (7 Countries)

Nationals from these countries face restrictions on certain visas (B‑1/B‑2 visitor, F/M student, J exchange, and immigrant visas):

  • Burundi
  • Cuba
  • Laos
  • Sierra Leone
  • Togo
  • Turkmenistan
  • Venezuela

Who Is NOT Affected
Exemptions include:

  • Individuals already in the U.S. or holding valid visas as of June 9
  • Green card holders (LPRs) and dual nationals traveling on non-banned passports
  • Diplomatic/official visa holders
  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, children, parents)
  • Adopted children, Afghan SIV holders, religious minority immigrants from Iran, witnesses in criminal proceedings, and athletes/coaches traveling for major events like the 2026 World Cup or 2028 Olympics

Key Details & Legal Basis

  • The restrictions apply only to nationals of listed countries who were outside the U.S. without a valid visa on June 9, 2025.
  • Pre‑existing visas are not revoked.
  • The proclamation builds on earlier executive orders mandating stricter vetting and security assessments.
  • It cites national security concerns and previous immigration system vulnerabilities as justification.

Impacts & Reaction

  • The ban affects travelers from a total of 19 countries.
  • Human rights groups and foreign governments have criticized the move.
  • The African Union condemned the ban, and Chad temporarily suspended U.S. visa issuance in retaliation.
  • Advocates argue the ban has serious humanitarian and family reunification consequences.

✈ What Travelers Need to Know

  • If you're from a listed country and outside the U.S. without a valid visa, your entry is restricted starting June 9, 2025 — unless you qualify for an exemption.
  • If you're already in the U.S. or hold a valid visa issued before the ban, your status is not affected.
  • Dual nationals traveling on passports from non‑banned countries are not subject to the ban.
  • Athletes and coaches attending major sporting events are eligible for entry.
  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and select humanitarian categories can still apply for entry.

Outlook

  • The proclamation mandates a review of restrictions within 90 days and every 180 days thereafter.
  • This opens the door for changes, country removals, or additional exemptions based on compliance and risk assessments.
  • Legal challenges are expected, and immigration advocates continue to push back against the policy.

Final Take

The June 9, 2025 travel ban significantly expands U.S. entry restrictions. It places total bans on 12 countries and partial restrictions on 7 others. While several groups are exempt, many previously eligible travelers are now blocked from entering the U.S. The policy has triggered global criticism and is likely to face ongoing legal and political scrutiny.

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