US Expands Travel Ban and Tightens Entry Rules for Visitors From 39 Countries

The United States is tightening its immigration and border controls, expanding its travel ban and introducing stricter financial and biometric requirements for visitors from a widening group of countries.

At the centre of the changes is an expanded travel ban now covering nationals from 39 countries. Under the latest presidential proclamation, citizens of 19 countries face a full suspension of entry, while those from a further 20 are subject to partial restrictions. Seven additional countries are due to be added from 1 January 2026, making the policy one of the most extensive entry control regimes applied by the US in recent years.

US officials say the measures are based on concerns that some countries lack reliable systems for identity verification and information sharing. According to the administration, weaknesses in screening and vetting procedures increase risks to public safety and national security, warranting either full or limited entry suspensions. 

Although the legal basis for the policy dates back to a proclamation issued during Donald Trump’s presidency, the framework continues to shape current immigration enforcement. Full entry suspensions apply to nationals from countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Haiti and Sudan, alongside others in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. 

In December, several countries previously subject to partial restrictions, such as Laos and Sierra Leone, were moved into the fully suspended category. In contrast, some measures have been eased in specific cases, with the US lifting restrictions on non-immigrant travellers from Turkmenistan, while continuing to block immigrant visas.

Partial suspensions affect countries across the Caribbean, Africa and Central Asia. These typically restrict access to certain visa categories rather than imposing a complete ban. US authorities have stated that exemptions remain for lawful permanent residents, individuals granted asylum, refugees already admitted, and dual nationals travelling on passports from countries not subject to the restrictions.

The administration has also revived and expanded a visa bond pilot programme. The Department of State has increased the number of countries whose citizens may be required to post a financial bond to obtain a temporary visitor visa. From 21 January 2026, travellers from 38 countries may be asked to lodge between $5,000 and $15,000 before entry.

The bond requirement targets countries with high rates of visa overstays or those that operate citizenship-by-investment programmes. The inclusion of Bangladesh, Nepal and Nigeria has been notable, given the large numbers of visitors and students who travel from those countries. Critics say the policy places a heavy financial burden on legitimate travellers, while supporters argue it discourages overstays and immigration breaches.

At the same time, border enforcement has intensified at US airports and land crossings. Travellers report longer questioning, more frequent secondary inspections and, in some cases, delays or refusals of entry. Officials say these steps are part of a broader effort to strengthen border oversight rather than isolated actions.

The Department of Homeland Security is also considering a major expansion of biometric data collection. Proposals would extend beyond fingerprints and photographs to include voice samples, iris scans and potentially DNA. The system would apply to immigrants, students, foreign workers and tourists, with non-citizens photographed both on entry to and exit from the country.