The U.S. government is reviewing a proposal for a sweeping expansion of travel restrictions that could impact citizens from over 40 countries. According to a draft memo obtained by multiple media outlets, the plan categorizes countries into three tiers, each subject to varying levels of visa limitations.
The most restrictive category includes ten nations—among them Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea—which would face a full suspension of visa issuance. The second group consists of five countries, including Haiti, Eritrea, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, that would see more targeted visa restrictions, primarily affecting tourism, student travel, and certain immigrant categories.
A third and much larger group includes 26 countries such as Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. These nations would not face immediate sanctions but could be subject to partial suspensions if they fail to improve their information-sharing and security vetting procedures within a 60-day period, as outlined in the draft.
While the list is not final, sources suggest it remains under review and is subject to change. Final approval would require sign-off from top officials, including the Secretary of State. The proposed restrictions are part of a broader policy initiative aimed at tightening U.S. border controls and immigration screening practices.
The directive follows an executive order issued in January requiring agencies to assess the reliability of foreign governments in providing security-related information. Countries deemed non-compliant or lacking sufficient vetting processes may be subject to partial or full travel suspensions.
The strategy marks a continuation of efforts to bolster immigration enforcement and enhance national security through stricter visa vetting. It also reflects a desire to address longstanding concerns around identity verification, cooperation on criminal background checks, and transparency in government documentation.
This new proposal recalls earlier measures introduced during the administration’s first term, which included a high-profile travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries. That policy underwent multiple revisions and legal challenges before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. Over time, the list evolved to include other nations such as North Korea and Venezuela, while some countries like Iraq and Sudan were later removed.
Although the current draft has yet to be implemented, it signals a renewed push for expanded restrictions, with a focus on national security concerns and international cooperation in immigration processes. If enacted, it could significantly reshape travel access for millions of people and strain diplomatic relations with the countries affected.
As of now, officials stress that the proposal remains under evaluation, and final decisions will depend on ongoing assessments and interagency recommendations in the weeks ahead.
