The United States is implementing a 2025 Travel Ban!
On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order reinstating and expanding the U.S. travel ban, which will take effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 9, 2025. This new policy, reminiscent of the 2017 “Muslim ban,” imposes full or partial entry restrictions on nationals from 19 countries, citing national security concerns and inadequate cooperation with U.S. visa vetting procedures.
2025 Travel Ban: Countries Affected
The executive order imposes a full entry ban on citizens from the following 12 countries:
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Additionally, seven countries face partial restrictions, which may affect certain visa categories, including tourist (B-1/B-2), student (F, M), and exchange visitor (J) visas:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
These restrictions apply to individuals who are outside the United States and do not hold a valid visa as of June 9, 2025.
2025 Travel Ban: Exemptions
The executive order outlines several exemptions to the travel restrictions, including:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Dual nationals traveling on a passport from a non-restricted country
- Diplomats and U.N. representatives
- Athletes and coaches participating in major sporting events such as the World Cup
- Immediate Relatives of U.S. citizens
- Refugees who have already been granted asylum
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visas
- Persecuted religious minorities from Iran
These exemptions aim to mitigate the impact on certain individuals and groups, but the overall scope of the ban remains extensive.
Implications for Affected Individuals
For individuals from the listed countries, the travel ban poses immediate challenges, such as:
- Visa Applications: New visa applications from affected countries may be denied or delayed.
- Family Reunification: Families may face prolonged separations due to the restrictions.
- Educational Opportunities: Students from restricted countries may be unable to commence or continue studies in the U.S.
- Business and Employment: Professionals may encounter obstacles in securing employment or conducting business in the U.S.
How AVA Global Can Help
Given the complexities of the new travel ban, individuals affected by the policy are encouraged to seek legal counsel to understand their rights and explore potential avenues for relief. Our U.S. immigration attorneys can provide guidance on:
- Assessing eligibility for exemptions
- Exploring alternative immigration options
- Preparing for visa interviews and documentation
- Challenging visa denials or delays
If you have questions or concerns on the 2025 Travel Ban, contact us today for a confidential consultation and personalized legal advice. You may register for a consultation by calling 970-680-1223/+41 (0)78 248 26 28 or scheduling online. Our U.S. immigration attorneys are licensed to practice immigration law in all 50 states and at consulates and embassies all over the world.
**Please note this is not legal advice and engagement with this post does not create an attorney/client privilege. For specifically tailored legal advice, schedule a consultation.
Current as of June 5, 2025