On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a new Proclamation significantly broadening U.S. travel restrictions, targeting additional nations and tightening entry requirements as part of the administration’s ongoing effort to control immigration and enhance security.
The latest measures introduce partial travel restrictions for 15 new countries, many in Africa, while imposing full bans on several more nations. Among those facing partial limitations is Nigeria, joining 14 other countries under the updated policy.
Partial Restrictions Defined
Under the administration’s framework, “partial restrictions” generally prohibit the issuance of immigrant visas—which allow recipients to obtain permanent residency (Green Cards)—and certain nonimmigrant visas, including those for tourism, study, and exchange programs (B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas).
The countries newly subjected to partial restrictions are:
1. Angola
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Benin
4. Côte d’Ivoire
5. Dominica
6. Gabon
7. The Gambia
8. Malawi
9. Mauritania
10. Nigeria
11. Senegal
12. Tanzania
13. Tonga
14. Zambia
15. Zimbabwe
Full Restrictions Maintained and Expanded
The Proclamation continues to enforce full bans on the 12 previously designated high-risk nations: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
In addition, full travel restrictions are now extended to five more countries—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria—following recent security assessments. Nationals holding Palestinian Authority travel documents are also barred. Meanwhile, Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial restrictions, are now fully restricted.
Certain countries remain under partial limitations, including Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela. Conversely, Turkmenistan sees a partial easing: nonimmigrant visa restrictions have been lifted due to improved cooperation with the U.S., though immigrant visa limitations remain in place.
Exceptions and Special Cases
The Proclamation allows exemptions for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and other individuals whose entry is deemed in the U.S. national interest.
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The expanded travel measures mark the most significant tightening of U.S. entry restrictions since June 2025, reflecting the administration’s ongoing focus on security and immigration control.
