On June 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a travel ban on citizens from 12 countries, citing national security concerns. The affected countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, partial restrictions were placed on travelers from seven other nations, including Cuba, Laos, and Venezuela.

The administration linked the decision to a recent antisemitic attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly carried out by an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa. Although Egypt is not among the banned countries, the incident prompted the administration to expedite the order, emphasizing concerns over visa overstays and inadequate vetting processes.

This policy revives and expands upon the controversial travel bans implemented during Trump’s first term, which faced legal challenges but were ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.  Critics argue that the new ban disproportionately affects nations dealing with instability and conflict, potentially harming the U.S.’s global standing and humanitarian commitments. 

The travel ban is set to take effect on Monday, June 9, 2025.