US considers sweeping travel bans targeting over 40 countries: Report

ISTANBUL

The US is considering new travel bans targeting citizens of over 40 countries, according to a New York Times report.

The draft proposal, developed by the State Department, categorizes nations into three tiers based on the severity of restrictions.

The Red List includes 11 countries—Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen—facing a complete entry ban.

The Orange List imposes sharp visa restrictions on 10 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Russia, with possible exceptions for wealthy business travelers.

The Yellow List gives 22 countries, such as Angola and Zimbabwe, 60 days to address US concerns about vetting processes or face stricter measures.

The proposal follows an executive order by President Donald Trump requiring the State Department to identify countries with insufficient screening processes.

Officials who spoke to the newspaper urged that the list is not final and may change before reaching the White House.

The potential bans expand on Trump’s earlier travel restrictions in his first term, which targeted seven countries.

The move aligns with the administration’s broader anti-immigration agenda, including efforts to tighten border security and reduce immigration.