U.S. Expands Full Travel Ban to South Sudan

(WASHINGTON DC) – The United States has expanded its travel restrictions to include South Sudan among 20 additional countries and the Palestinian Authority, according to an announcement by the Trump administration on December 17, 2025. The policy will take effect on January 1, 2026.

The new restrictions add five countries, including South Sudan, to a full travel ban, while 15 others face partial limits. The administration cited security and immigration concerns as the main reasons for the expansion.

The policy does not affect individuals who already hold U.S. visas, lawful permanent residents, or certain visa categories such as diplomats and athletes. Those whose entry is considered to serve U.S. national interests are also exempt.

Countries newly fully banned include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, and individuals with travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. The partial restriction list covers Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The U.S. administration justified the travel limits by citing concerns over corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documents, criminal records, visa overstays, and lack of government stability in affected countries. The policy also referenced immigration enforcement, foreign policy, and national security considerations.

Critics have argued that the expanded restrictions unfairly target citizens from multiple countries and are not solely based on national security. Advocacy groups warned that Afghans who assisted the U.S. military under the Special Immigrant Visa programme may be unfairly affected.

Several countries impacted by the new restrictions have said they are reviewing the announcement. Dominica described the situation as serious and urgent, while Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the U.S. said he would seek clarification from U.S. officials.

The travel restrictions also tighten rules for Palestinian citizens, further limiting the ability to travel to the U.S. for business, education, or personal reasons. The administration cited the activity of U.S. designated terrorist groups in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as a justification for the restrictions.

List of Key Countries and Restrictions