Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed on 6 December that the administration will add an undisclosed number of ‘high-risk or non-cooperating’ states to the travel restrictions first imposed by Proclamation 10949 in June. The proclamation initially barred or limited visas for citizens of 19 countries; the latest expansion will raise the tally to ‘well over thirty,’ according to Noem, and take effect ‘within days.’
Although the final list is still under White House review, officials indicated the additions will focus on governments that lack biometric passports, fail to share criminal data or ‘harbour active terror networks.’ Full visa suspensions will apply to some countries, while others will see immigrant-visa caps or B-1/B-2 visitor visa slow-downs.
![U.S. expands 2025 travel ban to more than 30 countries, roiling holiday itineraries]()
The announcement lands at peak year-end travel season, derailing family reunions and conference travel. Airlines serving West Africa and the Middle East reported a spike in cancellations within hours of the press briefing. U.S. Travel Association estimates a potential US$780 million hit to inbound tourism if the restrictions last through February.
Immigration attorneys are fielding urgent calls from dual nationals and green-card applicants caught mid-process. Those eligible for ESTA visa-waiver travel from a third-country passport may still enter, but must carry proof of residency and employment to avoid secondary inspection.
Critics note that DHS has granted no public exception process for individuals who worked with U.S. forces abroad, even as embassy staff warn that case-by-case waivers will take months. Business groups fear retaliatory visa curbs on U.S. executives and warn that supply-chain site visits planned for Q1 2026 could be cancelled.
Although the final list is still under White House review, officials indicated the additions will focus on governments that lack biometric passports, fail to share criminal data or ‘harbour active terror networks.’ Full visa suspensions will apply to some countries, while others will see immigrant-visa caps or B-1/B-2 visitor visa slow-downs.
The announcement lands at peak year-end travel season, derailing family reunions and conference travel. Airlines serving West Africa and the Middle East reported a spike in cancellations within hours of the press briefing. U.S. Travel Association estimates a potential US$780 million hit to inbound tourism if the restrictions last through February.
Immigration attorneys are fielding urgent calls from dual nationals and green-card applicants caught mid-process. Those eligible for ESTA visa-waiver travel from a third-country passport may still enter, but must carry proof of residency and employment to avoid secondary inspection.
Critics note that DHS has granted no public exception process for individuals who worked with U.S. forces abroad, even as embassy staff warn that case-by-case waivers will take months. Business groups fear retaliatory visa curbs on U.S. executives and warn that supply-chain site visits planned for Q1 2026 could be cancelled.
