In a significant development that could reshape global mobility, the Trump administration is reportedly planning to expand its travel ban to include Nigeria and 35 other countries, according to a leaked U.S. State Department memo.
If enforced, this expansion would more than double the number of countries currently facing U.S. entry restrictions, affecting thousands of travellers, students, families, and businesses, particularly across Africa and the Caribbean.
New U.S. Security Standards: 60-Day Countdown Begins
The memo reveals that targeted countries have been given a Wednesday 8 a.m. deadline to submit initial action plans for complying with new identity verification and security benchmarks. After that, they have 60 days to fully implement these requirements.
Failure to comply could result in full or partial travel bans, echoing previous executive orders under President Trump’s administration.
Who’s on the List?
Out of the 36 countries under review, 25 are African nations. Others are located across the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific.
African countries include:
Angola, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Senegal, Egypt, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and more.
Caribbean nations:
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Asian & Pacific countries:
Bhutan, Cambodia, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, Vanuatu, Tonga, among others.
Why These Countries?
According to the memo, the reasons include:
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Unreliable ID systems and documentation
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High U.S. visa overstay rates
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Non-compliance with deportation orders
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Fraud and weak security practices
Critics argue this disproportionately targets developing nations and raises xenophobia and discrimination concerns, especially among civil rights groups and U.S. lawmakers.
What Happens If Countries Don’t Comply?
If nations fail to meet the new security standards within the 60-day window, they could face:
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Full or partial travel bans
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Restricted student, work, or tourist visa access
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Extended processing times or denials
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Tense diplomatic relations with the U.S.
This comes as 12 countries are already under full travel bans as of June 9, 2025, including Iran, Libya, Haiti, Sudan, and Yemen, while seven others face partial visa restrictions.
What This Means for Nigerians and Others
For countries like Nigeria, this policy shift could limit access to U.S. education, employment, and family reunion pathways. It could also strain diplomatic ties and spark legal and political backlash globally.
Travellers, students, and businesses are advised to stay informed, monitor updates from the U.S. State Department, and consult with immigration experts on how to navigate any impending changes.
The Bottom Line
This possible expansion marks a critical point in U.S. immigration policy, with Africa and the Caribbean disproportionately affected. The next 60 days will be crucial for at-risk countries to respond — or face serious consequences.