A new executive order signed by the Trump administration will place sweeping travel restrictions on citizens of 12 countries, predominantly in the Middle East and Africa, beginning Monday, June 9, 2025.Â
Travel Restrictions Goes Into Effect June 9
The countries affected by the travel restrictions include Afghanistan, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Additionally, visa restrictions have been imposed on travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
According to reporting by The New York Times, the U.S. State Department issued approximately 170,000 visas last year to individuals from the 12 countries on the primary ban list. Most were nonimmigrant visitor visas, typically used for tourism, business travel or academic study.
Exceptions to the travel restrictions will be made in specific cases, including:
- Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Dual citizens traveling on a non-restricted passport
- Individuals with valid existing visas
- Athletes and other participants traveling to the U.S. for major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the 2028 Olympic Games
- Travelers whose entry is deemed to be in the national interest of the U.S.
The administration cited national security concerns, stating that individuals from countries with limited vetting capabilities could pose a potential threat. Critics argue the travel restrictions disproportionately target certain regions and could have broader geopolitical and humanitarian implications.
The policy is expected to result in increased scrutiny for visa applicants from the listed nations, potentially leading to itinerary changes, canceled plans or delays for affected travelers.
South Africa Responds to Travel Advisory
South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Ms. Patricia de Lille, has responded to the U.S. Department of State’s updated travel advisory, reaffirming the country’s commitment to visitor safety and emphasizing the continued strength of U.S. travel to the destination.
According to the advisory, which was updated to a Level 2, the U.S. State Department is urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to violent crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping.
While acknowledging the sovereign right of nations to issue such advisories, the Minister emphasized that South Africa remains a premier global destination celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality.
The statement highlights that safety remains a national priority, with enhanced security efforts in key tourism areas, including trained Tourism Monitors and strong collaboration across government, law enforcement and the private sector.
Despite global concerns, South Africa welcomed over 111,000 U.S. visitors in the first four months of 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and solidifying the U.S. as its top source market.
“We understand that travellers may have concerns, and we encourage all visitors to exercise the same level of vigilance and awareness they would when visiting any international destination,” said de Lille in the statement.
