Quick Answer:
In June 2025, the Trump administration expanded the travel ban, blocking entry and visa issuance for citizens of 19 countries and placing 36 more on a security watch list. If you’re from or have family in one of these countries, your ability to obtain a U.S. visa or enter the country may now be suspended. However, there are some exceptions and legal options available. This guide will walk you through what to expect, who is impacted, and what steps you can take.
Overview of the June 2025 Travel Ban
In June 2025, Presidential Proclamation 10949 reintroduced and expanded prior travel restrictions. It fully suspends entry for citizens of 12 countries and partially suspends visa access for 7 others. These entry restrictions are imposed under United States immigration laws and are enforced through rigorous screening and vetting protocols to assess national security risks. Additionally, 36 countries were warned that they may be added to the list if they do not improve their cooperation on identity verification, information sharing, and deportation enforcement.
Purpose of the Ban: National Security Considerations
- National security enhancement
- Pressure foreign governments to improve ID verification and deportation cooperation
- Target visa overstays and identity fraud risks
- Proactively identifying security risks among foreign nationals seeking entry
Who Is Impacted?
- Foreign nationals and visa applicants from listed countries applying for new visas
- Families of U.S. citizens or residents from restricted countries
- Asylum seekers and refugee applicants
- Immigrants in deportation proceedings
Any foreign national traveling from a designated country may be subject to additional scrutiny or denial of entry.
Countries and Visa Types Affected
Countries Fully Banned (All Visas Suspended):
- Afghanistan
Afghan special immigrant visas and other special immigrant visas may be exempt from the full ban under certain circumstances. - Burma (Myanmar)
- Chad
- Republic of the Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Iran
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
Countries with Partial Visa Restrictions:
- Burundi
- Cuba
- Laos
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
Partial restrictions often target nonimmigrant visa categories, such as F, M, and J visas, including exchange visitors and their dependents. J visas for exchange visitors are among the most commonly restricted categories in these countries.
Watch List (36 Countries At Risk of Future Bans):
- Includes Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Syria, Cambodia, Tanzania, and many African and Caribbean nations. These and other countries are monitored for compliance due to concerns about other national security threats.
- These countries have been given 60 days to meet U.S. vetting and deportation compliance standards
Visa Types Affected:
- Immigrant visas (green cards). Family immigrant visas, which allow for family reunification, are among those most affected by the new restrictions.
- Nonimmigrant visas such as:
- B-1/B-2 (visitor)
- F, M, J (student and exchange)
- K-1 (fiancé)
- DV Lottery visas
Travelers holding a valid nonimmigrant visa or valid visas issued before the effective date may be exempt from the new restrictions.
International organization visas are generally not subject to the travel ban and remain valid for representatives of recognized organizations.
Visa Types Generally Not Banned (for some partially restricted countries): Immediate Family Immigrant Visas
- H-1B (specialty workers)
- L-1 (intra-company transfers)
- O-1 (extraordinary ability)
Exceptions and Waiver Process
Exemptions: You may not be affected by the ban if:
- You are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
- You are a dual national using a passport from a non-banned country
- You already had a valid visa before June 9, 2025
- You hold diplomatic or NATO visas
- You have been granted asylum or refugee status
- You are a spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen (immediate relative visa categories)
- You are applying for immediate family immigrant visas as a spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen.
- You are an adopted child of a U.S. citizen
- You qualify for a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV)
- You are an ethnic and religious minority or religious minority facing persecution (in limited cases)
- You are traveling for events like the Olympics or World Cup
Waiver Process: Applicants must provide clear and convincing evidence or other convincing evidence of national interest, humanitarian need, or law enforcement benefit to be considered for a waiver.
Waiver Process:
- No formal waiver application
- Case-by-case consideration by consular or DHS officials
- Must show national interest, humanitarian need, or law enforcement benefit
Limitations of Waivers:
- Rarely granted
- Not available for general humanitarian reasons like family reunions or medical emergencies
Consequences and Legal Strategies
If You Are Outside the U.S.:
- Visa applications will be denied for listed countries unless you meet an exemption
Visa applications may be denied if your country lacks a reliable cooperative central authority for issuing civil documents or if your passport issued is not recognized as valid by U.S. authorities. - Travel plans will be canceled or postponed
- Immigrant petitions (e.g., I-130) may be delayed or stopped
If You Are Inside the U.S.:
- The travel ban does not force you to leave
- You can remain legally under your current status
- You should not travel internationally unless exempt
If You Are in Deportation Proceedings:
- The ban may signal stricter enforcement
- Deportation may be delayed if your country won’t issue travel documents, or if entry into the United States is restricted for nationals of your country
- You may still apply for asylum or withholding of removal
Strategies to Consider:
These strategies apply to both immigrants and nonimmigrants affected by the travel ban:
- Maintain valid immigration status (e.g., F-1, TPS, DACA)
- Apply for adjustment of status (if eligible)
- Consider naturalization if you’re a permanent resident with a family member abroad
- Avoid unnecessary international travel
- Explore third-country family reunification options
- Pursue humanitarian parole (if eligible)
- Consider dual nationality or alternative visa routes
TPS and Asylum Options:
- TPS remains available for nationals from several banned countries (Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, etc.)
- Asylum claims are still allowed for those present in the U.S.
FAQs: Trump Travel Ban 2025
Which countries are banned under the June 2025 travel restrictions? 19 total: 12 fully banned and 7 partially banned. See full list above.
Does the ban affect green card holders or dual citizens? No. Green card holders and dual nationals using a non-banned passport are exempt.
Can I still apply for a visa if I’m from a banned country? Not unless you qualify for an exception. Most visa applications will be denied.
Are refugees and asylum seekers included in the ban? No. Those granted asylum or refugee status before June 9, 2025, are exempt. Asylum applications can still be filed from within the U.S.
Is there a way to get around the ban? Exceptions apply in limited cases. A waiver may be possible but is rare and hard to obtain. Legal assistance is recommended.
Can I bring my spouse or child from a banned country? Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen and they qualify under the immediate relative categories.
Will the ban end soon? It has no fixed end date. Reviews are scheduled every 180 days. Changes are possible depending on compliance by countries or legal action.
FAQs: June 2025 Travel Ban
What is the June 2025 travel ban and how does it differ from earlier versions?The June 2025 travel ban, established by Presidential Proclamation 10949, expands previous bans by suspending visas for nationals of 19 countries and placing 36 more on a watch list. It includes broader enforcement, stricter national security standards, and pressure for compliance on deportation and identity verification protocols.
Can U.S. green card holders from banned countries travel freely?Yes. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are explicitly exempt from the ban and may reenter the U.S., though they may still face questioning at ports of entry.
Do the restrictions apply to people already inside the United States?No. The travel ban applies to those seeking to enter the U.S. from abroad. If you’re already in the U.S. on a valid visa or status, you are not required to leave. However, travel outside the country may result in being barred from reentry.
Can I travel on advance parole if I have DACA or TPS and I’m from a banned country?Technically, yes, but it’s risky. Even with approved advance parole, reentry is not guaranteed. Border officials may deny entry based on the travel ban. Legal advice is strongly recommended before traveling.
How does the ban affect people with approved visa petitions awaiting interviews?If you’re from a banned country and your visa interview was scheduled after June 9, 2025, it will likely be canceled or result in a denial—unless you qualify for an exemption.
Can dual nationals avoid the travel ban by using another passport?Yes, if you are a dual citizen and travel on a passport from a non-banned country, the travel ban does not apply. You must use that passport to apply for your visa and enter the U.S.
Are student visas (F-1, J-1, M-1) still being issued to applicants from banned countries?No. For countries under full or partial bans, student visas are suspended. Some partially banned countries may allow specific employment visas but restrict student and tourist visas.
Can people on the watch list still apply for visas?Yes, for now. The 36 countries on the watch list have 60 days to meet U.S. requirements. Their citizens can still apply for visas, but future bans are possible if compliance isn’t met.
What are my options if I’m separated from family due to the ban?Depending on your status, you may explore adjustment of status (if you’re in the U.S.), consular processing through a third country, humanitarian parole, or naturalization if you’re a permanent resident petitioning a spouse or child.
Can I apply for a travel ban waiver for a humanitarian emergency?Waivers are only considered on a case-by-case basis by consular officers and DHS, and require compelling national interest or significant humanitarian or law enforcement justification. There is no formal application, and approvals are rare.
Does the ban stop asylum claims?No. Individuals already in the U.S. may still apply for asylum. Refugee processing abroad may slow down, but approved refugees are exempt from the ban.
If I overstay my visa, could I be deported to a banned country?While overstaying your visa can lead to removal proceedings, deportation may not occur if your home country refuses repatriation. Still, overstaying is a violation and can lead to bars on future immigration benefits.
Can a U.S. citizen still sponsor a spouse or parent from a banned country?Yes. Immediate relatives (spouses, children, parents) of U.S. citizens are generally exempt from the ban and can still be issued visas, though additional scrutiny may apply.
What happens if my country is added to the ban later?If your country moves from the watch list to the banned list, visa issuance will be halted. If you already have a valid visa or a valid nonimmigrant visa issued before the effective date, you may still be allowed to enter, but future renewals or interviews will be affected. Holders of valid visas or a valid nonimmigrant visa issued before the effective date are generally exempt.
How can I check if the travel ban applies to me?Visit the Department of State Visa News page, review Proclamation 10949, or consult an immigration attorney to understand your eligibility.
Is legal action being taken against the 2025 travel ban?Yes. Several immigrant advocacy groups and legal organizations are exploring or pursuing litigation. The Supreme Court has upheld the President’s authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to impose such restrictions. However, as of now, the ban remains in effect and enforceable.
How long will the travel ban stay in place?There is no end date. The United States government will review the list every 180 days and adjust based on each country’s cooperation. The United States government, through agencies like Homeland Security and the State Department, implements United States screening and vetting protocols. Countries can be added or removed depending on their compliance.
Can I reunite with family in a third country if they can’t enter the U.S.?Yes, this is a temporary workaround many families are exploring. However, you should review visa requirements and safety of the third country before making plans.
Are there exceptions to the travel ban?Holders of valid visas or a valid nonimmigrant visa issued before the effective date are generally exempt. United States government employees and representatives of international organizations may be exempt. Exceptions may be made for those traveling to participate in a major sporting event or other major sporting event.
What is the security rationale for the travel ban?The ban targets persons performing roles linked to terrorism, including specially designated global terrorists and foreign terrorists. The United States government uses national intelligence and security assessments to identify threats.
How are travel ban policies reviewed and communicated?Decisions are informed by national intelligence and may be communicated through internal State Department cable.
Get Legal Support: Consult Attorney Richard Herman
If you or your family are impacted by the June 2025 travel ban or are from a country on the watch list, you need legal guidance. Immigration laws are complex, and bans can be life-altering.
Attorney Richard Herman and the Herman Legal Group are nationally recognized immigration lawyers with deep experience in:
- Travel ban litigation and waivers
- Family reunification strategies
- Humanitarian parole and TPS cases
- Deportation defense
Get Legal Support: Consult Attorney Richard Herman
Facing a travel ban, visa denial, or uncertainty around your family’s immigration status is stressful. You don’t have to navigate it alone. With over 25 years of experience, Attorney Richard Herman and the Herman Legal Group are here to help immigrants across the country and around the world overcome legal barriers.
Why Schedule a Consultation?
- Personalized evaluation of your situation
- Strategies tailored to the June 2025 travel ban
- Guidance on waivers, exceptions, TPS, asylum, or family-based petitions
- Help preparing strong visa filings and responses to consular denials
- Emergency support if your case involves removal proceedings or humanitarian concerns
Your future is too important to risk. Get trusted legal help today.
Schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Richard Herman: 👉 Book Your Consultation Now
Helpful Resources for Travel Ban Information:
- Department of State – Visa News & Proclamations
- USCIS Policy Guidance on Entry Suspensions
- ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations
- USCIS – TPS Designated Country List
- USCIS – Humanitarian Parole
- AILA – Find an Immigration Lawyer
- U.S. Visa Bulletin
