President Trump proclaimed on June 4, 2025, to suspend entry for travelers from 19 countries. The ban came into force on June 9, 2025.
According to the President, the goal is to “protect U.S. citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or exploit immigration laws for malevolent purposes.”
So, what does this mean for those planning to visit or move to the United States?
Keep reading to find out.
Barred Nationalities
The proclamation separates the affected countries into two groups: those facing full suspension and those under partial suspension.
Full Suspension (12 Countries)
Citizens from these 12 countries are completely barred from entering the U.S., whether as immigrants or nonimmigrants:
- Afghanistan
- Burma
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
If you’re from any of these countries and were outside the U.S. on June 9, 2025, without a valid visa, your entry is suspended. And no new visas will be issued while the suspension is in place.
Partial Suspension (7 Countries)
Nationals of the following countries are now facing partial entry restrictions:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
The partial ban is on immigrants and non-immigrants traveling on specific visas, like:
- B visas (business or tourism)
- F visas (academic students)
- M visas (vocational students)
- J visas (exchange visitors)
If you’re traveling for school, tourism, or cultural exchange, your visa may be suspended unless you fall under an exception.
Those Exempted from Suspension
Not everyone from those 19 countries is automatically banned. Section 4 of the proclamation lists some exceptions.
Some people from these countries are still allowed to enter, such as:
- Green Card holders (LPRs)
- Dual nationals traveling with a passport from a non-listed country
- Diplomats and officials on government or international organization visas
- Athletes, coaches, and their families attending major events like the Olympics or the World Cup
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, as long as they show clear proof of identity and family ties (DNA evidence may be used)
- Children being adopted by U.S. citizens
- Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and other U.S. government-affiliated SIVs
- Religious or ethnic minorities in Iran that are facing persecution
There’s also a national interest exception, allowing the Attorney General or Secretary of State to make case-by-case approvals when the travel benefits the U.S.
Reason for The Suspension
This proclamation didn’t come out of nowhere. It follows an earlier Executive Order that required U.S. security agencies, including the Department of State, Homeland Security, and National Intelligence, to identify countries with poor screening or vetting systems.
On April 9, 2025, those agencies submitted their report, identifying 19 countries as potential security risks.
According to the report, these nations:
- Failed to provide reliable identity or security information
- Had high visa overstay rates
- Refused to accept deported nationals
- Lacked a functioning or cooperative government for sharing data
- Some of them had documented ties to terrorist activities
The administration said the U.S. cannot safely vet travelers from these countries.
That’s the reasoning behind the Proclamation 10949 travel ban list.
The Legal Basis
The authority for Proclamation 10949 comes from two sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act:
- Section 212(f) gives the President the power to “suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens” if it’s deemed detrimental to U.S. interests.
- Section 215(a) allows the President to impose restrictions on who may enter or leave the United States.
This means the President can block or limit entry from certain countries if national security is at stake.
How Long Will the Ban Last?
The proclamation instructs the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence to review the ban every 180 days, starting with a 90-day update.
They’ll then recommend whether the suspensions should stay, be modified, or be lifted.
While there’s no fixed expiration date, the list could change depending on reviews or improvements in each country’s security cooperation.
What To Do
If you or your relatives are from any of the restricted countries under Proclamation 10949, you should:
- Check your visa status. If it was issued before June 9, 2025, it may still be valid.
- Confirm whether you fall under an exception, like family ties or dual nationality.
- Talk to a licensed immigration attorney on the ImmigrationQuestion.com network who can help assess your case.
Seek Professional Assistance
Proclamation 10949 is one of the broadest travel restrictions in recent years. It affects immigrants and visa applicants across 19 nations.
If you are affected and unsure whether you fall under an exception, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Head over to ImmigrationQuestion.com now. Ask your questions for free and get answers from experienced immigration attorneys.
ImmigrationQuestion.com offers a network of licensed immigration attorneys that can help with your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the travel ban be challenged in court?
Possibly. Previous travel bans faced legal challenges, and this one could too.
Which countries are on the Proclamation 10949 travel ban list?
The full suspension applies to 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Seven other countries face partial restrictions, including Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela.
What’s the difference between full and partial suspension?
Full suspension blocks both immigrant and non-immigrant entries. Partial suspension affects specific visa types, including B, F, M, and J.
Who decides who will be exempted?
The Secretary of State and Attorney General can approve case-by-case waivers for travelers whose entry serves the U.S. national interest.
When will the restricted countries be reviewed?
They will be reviewed periodically, every 180 days. The list may increase or decrease based on new reports on security and cooperation.
Are there any exceptions under Proclamation 10949?
Yes. There are exceptions for lawful permanent residents, diplomats, athletes, and relatives of U.S. citizens, among others.
