In a significant move to tighten immigration policies, U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to enforce a comprehensive travel ban targeting 43 countries, according to an internal memo obtained by Reuters. While the proposal has yet to receive final approval, it outlines a three-tier classification system—red, orange, and yellow—based on the level of restrictions each country would face.
The red group includes 11 nations whose citizens would be completely barred from entering the United States. These countries are Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Cuba, Bhutan, Venezuela, North Korea, Yemen, and Somalia.
The orange group comprises 10 countries that would face strict visa limitations. Among them are Russia, Belarus, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Pakistan, Laos, Turkmenistan, Haiti, and Eritrea.
Meanwhile, the yellow group lists 22 countries that have been given 60 days to address U.S. concerns or risk potential sanctions. This group includes Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, DR Congo, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and several others.
Notably absent from the list are Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria—some of Africa’s largest economies. Their exclusion highlights a potential diplomatic consideration amid the broader restrictions.
The proposal, initially reported by The New York Times, remains subject to revisions. Key U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have not yet finalized the decision.
If implemented, this expanded travel ban would mark a major escalation in President Trump’s immigration agenda, which has gained momentum since the start of his second term in January. The move could significantly impact global travel patterns and strain diplomatic relations between the U.S. and the affected nations.