Travel ban and new rules: what you need to know

Updated December 4, 2025
Learn about the new travel ban, who is affected, and what these changes mean for travel and immigration. The rules differ by country and may affect your ability to enter or return to the United States. There are also additional rules that affect people in the U.S. from the 19 travel ban countries.
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New travel ban

On June 4, 2025, the Trump administration announced a new travel ban that blocks or limits entry to the U.S. for people from certain countries.

There are two types of restrictions:

1. Full travel bans for 12 countries

People from these countries are not allowed to enter the U.S. unless they qualify for a specific exception:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. Burma
  3. Chad
  4. Republic of the Congo
  5. Equatorial Guinea
  6. Eritrea
  7. Haiti
  8. Iran
  9. Libya
  10. Somalia
  11. Sudan
  12. Yemen

Exceptions (meaning you can still enter)  include:

  • People who have valid visas as of June 9, 2025
  • Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents)
  • Dual nationals using a passport from a country not on the list
  • Certain family members of U.S. citizens:
    • Spouses (IR-1/CR-1)
    • Children (IR-2/CR-2)
    • Parents (IR-5, if the U.S. citizen child is over 21)
    • Adoption visas (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4)
  • Afghan SIV holders and certain U.S. government-affiliated SIVs
  • Certain diplomatic and official visa holders (A, G, NATO)
  • Some religious or ethnic minorities from Iran
  • Athletes and their staff attending major international events

Important:

  •  If you are from one of these 12 countries and you leave the U.S., you may not be allowed to return. Even if you are exempt from the ban (for example, you have a Green Card) you could face problems when trying to re-enter the U.S.
  •  If you travel to one of these countries (even if you are not from there), you could face extra screening or reentry issues, especially if you are not a U.S. citizen.
  • Visa types included in the ban (meaning they cannot be used to enter) include: 
    • F2A and F2B visas (spouses and children of Green Card holders)
    • Diversity Visa (DV) winners
    • Employment-based visas (H, L, O, etc.)
    • Student and visitor visas (F, M, J, B)
    • K-1 fiancé(e) visas
  • Follow-to-join (I-730) cases for both asylees and refugees may proceed. Most follow-to-join asylee cases are being processed overseas and will be allowed to travel, but beneficiaries must now pay for their own medical exams and travel expenses. However, follow-to-join asylee cases for individuals from countries named in the travel ban are being denied after consular interviews. Most follow-to-join refugee cases are still on hold overseas. Travel to the U.S. is also on hold. 

2. Partial restrictions for 7 countries

Some travelers from these countries can still enter the U.S., but certain visa types are restricted:

  1. Burundi
  2. Cuba
  3. Laos
  4. Sierra Leone
  5. Togo
  6. Turkmenistan
  7. Venezuela

Partial restrictions mean:

  • No new immigrant visas (to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident)
  • No non-immigrant visas in the B, J, F, or M categories
  • Shorter visa eligibility times for other non-immigrant categories
  • Longer screening and processing times
  • Extra paperwork or interviews
  • More questions at the airport or border
  • Green Card holders from these countries should not be affected

More countries could be added. Always check the latest rules for your visa type and country before traveling.

More rules for people from travel ban countries

The U.S. government announced new rules on December 2, 2025. If you are from one of the 19 travel ban countries:

  • Immigration applications have been paused. If you have already applied for a benefit, including a Green Card and naturalization, your case is on hold. It remains uncertain whether certain applications, such as for work permits, will be impacted.
  • Immigration benefits are being checked again for people who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021. If you were approved for a benefit, such as a Green Card, your case may be reviewed again.
  • Green Card holders may be re-checked. If you have a Green Card, you may be subject to a review or re-interview. This re-interview process has not yet started.
  • You may face more security checks when you apply for any immigration benefit.

USCIS is re-checking refugee cases from January 20, 2021, to February 20, 2025. If you entered through the refugee program during this time, there is no immediate change to your current status, but your case may be reviewed again. Pending Green Card applications for this group are also paused.

Note for refugees

Plan your travel safely

The current U.S. government has stricter immigration policies. If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is important to carefully plan your travel.

Deciding if you should travel

  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, check with an immigration lawyer before planning travel. They can help you understand the risks, especially if you have pending applications or are from a country that might be affected by the travel ban.
  • Every time you re-enter the U.S., you are subject to review and could be denied re-entry. Current policies are very strict.
  • If you are undocumented, do not travel internationally. You may be denied re-entry and/or placed in removal proceedings.
  • If you have a pending immigration application, travel could affect your case. Leaving the U.S. while your application is being processed may result in denial.
  • Consider travel ban restrictions.
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Tips for safe travel

  • Make sure all of your documents are valid. Your visa and passport must be up to date and not expired. The name on your plane ticket should match your ID.
  • You must show a REAL ID or other accepted form of identification, such as an unexpired passport, if you are flying within the U.S.
  • Keep all important documents with you, not in checked baggage. This includes your travel documents, passport, ID, pending application receipts, lawyer’s contact information, and emergency contacts.
  • Make a safety plan. Share your travel details with trusted contacts and check in with them throughout your trip. Discuss what to do if you are denied re-entry or detained.
  • Know your rights. Learn what to expect at the airport and how to respond to immigration officials. If you are detained, ask to speak to a lawyer immediately.
  • Monitor travel policy updates before and during travel. Immigration policies may change quickly. Stay informed about new travel restrictions.
  • Limit personal data on your devices. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may review your phone or laptop during inspection. Consider removing apps or personal information you do not need for your trip. You can store important files in a secure cloud account or external drive.

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The information on this page comes from USCIS and other trusted sources. We aim to offer easy to understand information that is updated regularly. This information is not legal advice.