Trump Imposes New Travel Ban on 12 Countries, Africa Tops List

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order enforcing a comprehensive travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, including several African nations such as Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan, citing national security concerns.

The order also introduces stricter entry restrictions for individuals from Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Set to take effect on June 9, 2025, the ban will not affect previously issued visas. However, athletes participating in the 2026 World Cup—co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—will be exempt.

This follows an earlier decision by Trump to block visa issuance for incoming international students accepted to Harvard University.