THE Trump administration is considering sweeping travel restrictions that could impact citizens from 43 countries, with 22 African nations reportedly on the list. The proposal follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, mandating stricter security vetting for foreign nationals entering the United States.
According to a draft memo obtained by The New York Times, countries have been categorised into three groups—each facing varying levels of restrictions. The plan, if implemented, could result in entry bans or stricter visa requirements, raising concerns among African governments and citizens about mobility and diplomatic relations.
African nations dominating the draft list
As reported, half of the countries on the proposed list are in Africa. The red list, which could see a complete travel ban, includes Libya, Somalia, and Sudan. These nations are grouped with eight others, such as North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Cuba, marking them as high-risk according to US security assessments.
The orange list features countries likely to face enhanced travel restrictions, rather than a full ban. African countries on this list include Eritrea, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan, alongside Belarus, Pakistan, and Russia.
Finally, the yellow list identifies countries whose citizens are at risk of facing further restrictions unless security concerns are addressed within 60 days. This list includes 16 African nations, among them:
- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Cabo Verde
- Chad
- Republic of Congo
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- The Gambia
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Zimbabwe
South Africa and Nigeria not on the list
Notably, two of Africa’s largest economies—South Africa and Nigeria—are not mentioned in the draft proposal. Both nations have been spared from the proposed travel restrictions at this stage.
Background to the proposed policy
The executive order issued in January 2025 by President Trump calls for intensified security screening as part of the administration’s broader immigration strategy. The travel restrictions under discussion are said to be aimed at countries deemed to have inadequate security protocols or limited cooperation with US immigration authorities.
If enacted, the restrictions could have far-reaching implications for African nations, impacting not only travel and migration but also trade relations, educational exchanges, and diplomatic ties.
Diplomatic and regional reactions expected
Though no formal announcements have been made, the proposal has sparked debate about its potential impact on African countries. Experts suggest that such measures could strain diplomatic relations between Washington and affected African nations, many of which view the restrictions as punitive and discriminatory.
Regional blocs like the African Union are expected to weigh in on the proposal if it moves forward, given its implications for regional mobility and cooperation with the United States.
As the Trump administration continues to tighten its immigration policies, 22 African nations could soon face new hurdles in securing entry to the United States. With discussions still underway, affected countries will need to address US security concerns or risk escalating travel restrictions.
