The United States has announced an expansion of its travel restrictions, adding several African countries — including Nigeria and nations aligned with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — alongside Syria, as part of broader efforts to strengthen national security.
The new measures, outlined in a proclamation dated December 16, 2025, focus on addressing gaps in vetting processes, information-sharing, and screening systems used to assess travelers seeking entry into the U.S.
Under the updated policy, full entry restrictions remain in place for nationals of the 12 countries previously classified as high risk under Proclamation 10949. These include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Newly added to the list of countries facing complete entry bans are the AES states — Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — as well as South Sudan and Syria. U.S. authorities cited persistent security concerns in these countries, including terrorist activity, governance challenges, and weak documentation and screening systems. As a result, visa issuance for their nationals has been suspended.
Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously subject to partial restrictions, have now been elevated to full entry limitations. In addition, travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority will also face full restrictions following concerns over compromised vetting procedures linked to ongoing regional conflicts.
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Several other countries, particularly in Africa, have been placed under partial restrictions. These include Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Tonga.
The U.S. government said these measures are largely based on high visa overstay rates, inadequate passport controls, and weaknesses in civil documentation systems.
South Sudan’s inclusion is notable, given its long-standing struggles with internal conflict and governance since gaining independence in 2011.
U.S. officials pointed to the continued presence of armed groups operating within its borders as a major security concern.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was also placed under partial restrictions. U.S. authorities cited ongoing security challenges posed by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State, as well as difficulties in border management and monitoring visa overstays.
According to U.S. data, Nigeria recorded overstay rates of 5.56% for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90% for F, M, and J visas.
The U.S. State Department noted that AES countries in particular face escalating threats from groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, contributing to instability and limiting effective governance across vast, ungoverned territories.
Although the expanded restrictions are expected to affect travel, business, and educational exchanges, U.S. officials emphasized that exemptions will apply to certain categories. These include lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry is deemed to be in the national interest.
The U.S. government also indicated that the restrictions could be reviewed in the future, depending on improvements in security cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and screening standards by affected countries.
Overall, the policy shift underscores Washington’s increasing focus on security and vetting standards as key drivers of foreign policy and international engagement, particularly in regions grappling with terrorism, governance challenges, and migration pressures.
