US Tightens Visa Restrictions on 10 African Countries Amid Security Concerns

US President Donald Trump signed a new executive order on June 4, 2025, imposing strict travel restrictions on nationals from 14 countries, with 10 African nations facing the most severe impact. The ban, effective June 9, 2025, suspends entry for citizens of these countries, citing national security concerns, terrorism risks, and weaknesses in visa vetting processes.

Citizens of Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan are completely banned from entering the United States under the new order. Individuals from these countries who are outside the US as of June 9 and do not hold valid visas issued prior to that date will be barred entry.

Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo face partial visa restrictions. Nationals from these countries will encounter limitations on immigrant visas and key non-immigrant visa categories such as B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F student visas, M vocational visas, and J exchange visitor visas. While not an outright ban, these restrictions substantially limit travel opportunities for education, tourism, and business.

Beyond Africa, full bans affect Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, and Yemen, while Cuba, Laos, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela are subject to partial visa restrictions.

President Trump emphasized the need for strict vetting in his proclamation, stating, “The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests.” The administration cited terrorism threats and insufficient security screening as primary concerns.

The announcement has sparked alarm among African communities and advocacy groups, highlighting potential disruptions to families, education, and business relations with the United States. Restrictions on student visas are particularly concerning for young Africans pursuing education in the US.

Diplomatic tensions may rise as African governments condemn the ban as discriminatory and detrimental to cooperation on security and development. The coming weeks will reveal how the ban is implemented and whether legal challenges arise.