US Travel Ban 2025: Impact on 43 Countries

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a travel ban on citizens from 43 countries in 2025. The proposed ban, which is still under review, categorizes countries into three lists—Red, Orange, and Yellow—based on the severity of restrictions. The Red List consists of 11 countries facing complete visa suspension, while the Orange List includes 10 countries where visa issuance will be significantly restricted. The Yellow List contains 22 countries given a 60-day window to resolve US concerns to avoid further restrictions. The ban is an expansion of the travel restrictions imposed during Trump’s first term, which were later revoked by former President Joe Biden in 2021.

Breakdown of the US Travel Ban

Red List (Full Visa Suspension – 11 countries)

Citizens from these countries will be entirely prohibited from obtaining US visas.

1. Afghanistan
2. Bhutan
3. Cuba
4. Iran
5. Libya
6. North Korea
7. Somalia
8. Sudan
9. Syria
10. Venezuela
11. Yemen

Orange List (Visa Sharply Restricted – 10 countries)

These countries will face severe restrictions on visas, requiring in-person interviews for applicants.

1. Belarus
2. Eritrea
3. Haiti
4. Laos
5. Myanmar
6. Pakistan
7. Russia
8. Sierra Leone
9. South Sudan
10. Turkmenistan

Yellow List (60-Day Window to Address Concerns – 22 countries)

These nations must rectify concerns within 60 days or risk further restrictions.

1. Angola
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Benin
4. Burkina Faso
5. Cambodia
6. Cameroon
7. Cape Verde
8. Chad
9. Republic of Congo
10. Democratic Republic of Congo
11. Dominica
12. Equatorial Guinea
13. Gambia
14. Liberia
15. Malawi
16. Mali
17. Mauritania
18. St. Kitts and Nevis
19. St. Lucia
20. São Tomé and Príncipe
21. Vanuatu
22. Zimbabwe

Implications of the Ban

• Citizens of Red List countries will face complete visa suspensions, preventing them from entering the US.
• Those in the Orange List will require strict visa screenings, mainly affecting tourists, students, and work visas, while business elites might still gain entry.
• The Yellow List countries have 60 days to address US concerns, failing which they may be moved to a stricter category.

Historical Context

• In his first term, Trump banned travel from seven Islamic-majority countries and imposed a reverse travel ban on North Korea.
• In 2021, Joe Biden revoked most of Trump’s travel bans, except for the North Korea restriction.