Travel restrictions to the United States: what officially changes
The Trump administration significantly expands the travel ban: 39 countries and territories are now subject to U.S. entry bans or restrictions starting January 1, 2026.
🕒 Updated on December 17, 2025
The United States has officially announced an unprecedented tightening of its immigration policy. The Trump administration confirmed on Tuesday the expansion of the travel ban to 39 countries and territories, putting an end to weeks of speculation. These new travel restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2026 and will apply both to travelers and immigration applicants.
This decision has raised significant concern among international travelers, students and professionals. For the first time, the measures also include individuals traveling with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Below is a complete and up-to-date overview of the situation.
📌 Key points – Countries banned from entry to the United States
- 39 countries and territories are now affected by the U.S. travel ban.
- Both total entry bans and partial restrictions apply.
- The measures affect tourist travel, student visas and immigration.
- Certain categories of travelers remain exempt.
- The restrictions will take effect on January 1.
The U.S. administration has confirmed the expansion of the travel ban, nearly doubling the number of affected countries and territories. This decision marks a major turning point in U.S. immigration policy and follows the measures announced in June.
The restrictions apply to individuals seeking to enter the United States as visitors or for immigration purposes, with rules varying depending on the country.
Unlike previous announcements, the White House has this time published an official list, clearly distinguishing between:
These measures are based on criteria related to national security, migration cooperation and the reliability of identity documents.
📌 This list is official and legally applicable.
U.S. authorities specify that certain individuals are not affected by these restrictions, including:
However, several humanitarian exemptions previously granted have been removed, including for certain special visa categories.
The Trump administration justifies these measures by citing:
✈️ These restrictions have a direct impact on:
Airlines will be required to strictly enforce these rules starting January 1, with an increased risk of boarding refusals.
🛂 Travelers are advised to:
⚠️ Even with a valid authorization, entry may be refused depending on nationality.
🧠 Yes, if you are from one of the listed countries.
Travelers from affected countries must reassess their travel or immigration plans. For other nationalities, vigilance remains essential in the context of a broader tightening of U.S. immigration policy.
This page will be updated in the event of any official changes.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
To date, the official list of countries banned or restricted from entering the United States includes 39 countries and territories, in accordance with decisions announced by the U.S. administration. This list now clearly distinguishes between countries subject to a total entry ban and those subject to partial visa restrictions. These measures, initially announced in June 2025 and then expanded in December, will take effect on January 1, 2026 and constitute the currently applicable legal framework.
The extension of the travel ban may affect tourists, students, workers, families, and travelers in transit. Depending on the country of nationality, entry into the United States may be completely prohibited or subject to visa restrictions, with certain exemptions for specific categories.
Yes. The US authorities may suspend or invalidate a visa or ESTA authorization that has already been issued if the traveler's country of nationality is on the list of countries that are banned or subject to restrictions. Even if you have a valid document, entry into the United States may be rejected at boarding or upon arrival. It is therefore essential to check the entry requirements regularly until the day of departure.