Major Boost for Some Tourists Facing U.S. Travel Restrictions
Tourists from 22 of the 43 nations facing strict U.S. travel restrictions just got some good news. The State Department announced an update on the controversial travel ban after missing a key deadline set by President Donald Trump.
Missed Deadline Delays Travel Ban Report
President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, his first day back in office, titled Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. It gave federal officials 60 days to compile a report detailing which countries require additional screening and vetting.
That deadline, set for March 21, passed without completion. On March 31, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that staff are still working on the report.
“We are focusing on what the executive order requires,” Bruce stated. “It’s not about outright travel bans, but whether countries meet U.S. security and vetting standards.”
No New Deadline, But Work Continues
Bruce also explained that while no new deadline has been set, work on the report remains ongoing.
“Just because there’s no date doesn’t mean the process has stopped,” she assured. “We are actively working to implement President Trump’s order.”
How the Travel Ban Works
Trump’s proposed ban uses a three-tier system:
- Full Travel Ban: No entry allowed.
- Visa Restrictions: Severe limits on visa approvals.
- Review Period: Some nations have 60 days to improve security measures.
However, those under the review period now have an indefinite extension to respond to U.S. security concerns.
Countries Facing a Full Travel Ban
- Afghanistan
- Bhutan
- Cuba
- Iran
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Countries with Restricted Visas
- Belarus
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Sierra Leone
- South Sudan
- Turkmenistan
Countries Under Review (Originally Given 60 Days)
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Dominica
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gambia
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Vanuatu
- Zimbabwe
The U.S. continues to assess security risks, and further updates are expected as the State Department completes its review.
