The United States has announced a major expansion of its travel restrictions following a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump on December 16, 2025. The new directive, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, places a full entry ban on citizens from 12 countries, the majority of which are in Africa.
Under the proclamation, nationals from Burkina Faso, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Libya, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan will face comprehensive restrictions on entry into the U.S. The White House said the decision was driven by national security concerns, citing inadequate identity management systems and vetting processes in the affected countries.
This latest action builds on President Trump’s earlier immigration policies, including the controversial 2017 travel ban that largely targeted Muslim-majority nations. According to the administration, the expanded measures are intended to close security gaps and ensure stricter screening of foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States.
In addition to the full bans, the proclamation introduces partial restrictions on citizens from 12 other African countries, including Nigeria and Angola. These partial measures limit access to certain categories of visas, such as non-immigrant and temporary travel visas, while exempting others under specific conditions.
A CBS News analysis indicates that the combined effect of the full and partial restrictions now affects more than 60 percent of African countries, marking one of the most sweeping U.S. immigration clampdowns involving the continent in recent history.
Early reactions across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, have highlighted concerns about the potential impact on travel, business ties, education opportunities, and remittance flows. Social media discussions reflect anxiety among families and professionals who rely on cross-border mobility and financial connections with the United States.
While official diplomatic responses are still emerging, analysts note that the policy could reshape U.S. Africa relations and spark renewed debate over immigration, security, and fairness in global mobility.