Trump Expands US Travel Ban: Seven More Countries Barred, Total 39 Nations Affected

• US President Donald Trump expanded the travel ban, adding seven new countries, effective January 1, 2026, citing national security and weak screening.
• The ban now covers 39 countries (full or partial restrictions), up from 19, making it one of the most extensive in US history.
• Seven new countries facing a full entry ban are Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone, plus Palestinian Authority-issued travel document holders.
• Reasons for the expansion include high visa overstay rates, terrorist activity, political instability, corruption, and poor cooperation from affected nations.
• Exemptions exist for green card holders, diplomats, and certain visa categories, but the ban is expected to impact students, workers, and families.

Why It Matters: Trump's expanded US travel ban adds seven countries, affecting 39 nations from January 2026.