President Donald Trump has announced a new round of entry restrictions affecting foreign nationals from 24 countries, with Nigeria specifically named among those facing partial suspension over terrorism-related concerns and visa overstay records.
The decision, published in a White House fact sheet on Tuesday, introduces full bans on eight countries and partial restrictions on 16 others, targeting immigrants and nonimmigrants applying for B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas.
According to the administration, the move is aimed at blocking entry by individuals “who cannot be properly vetted” due to weak screening systems, poor information-sharing, or security breakdowns in their home countries.
Nigeria Flagged in Partial Suspension List
Nigeria was listed among countries under partial suspension, with the White House citing the continued operations of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in parts of the country as a major concern.
Despite Nigeria recording relatively lower visa overstay rates than some affected nations, U.S. officials said terrorism-linked activities and gaps in vetting infrastructure create “substantial screening difficulties” for American authorities.
Eight Countries Face Full Entry Suspension
The proclamation places a complete suspension on visa issuance for nationals of:
• Burkina Faso
• Laos
• Mali
• Niger
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Holders of Palestinian Authority–issued travel documents
The administration pointed to high overstay rates, armed conflict, terrorist activity, lack of reliable identity systems, and refusal by some governments to accept deported nationals.
Partial Restrictions Across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean
In addition to Nigeria, partial visa restrictions apply to:
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
These countries were flagged for high visa overstays, weak government control in certain regions, or concerns surrounding citizenship-by-investment programmes.
Palestinian Authority Documents Barred
The White House said individuals travelling on Palestinian Authority–issued or endorsed documents cannot currently be properly vetted due to active terrorist groups in Gaza and the West Bank, compounded by the ongoing conflict.
Turkmenistan Gets Limited Relief
Turkmenistan was partly removed from the ban after what the administration described as improved cooperation with U.S. authorities. Nonimmigrant visa restrictions were lifted, but immigrant entry remains suspended.
Defending the policy, the White House said the restrictions are “necessary to protect American citizens, strengthen immigration enforcement, and prevent security risks before they reach U.S. borders.”
The administration added that the measures will be reviewed periodically, depending on whether affected countries improve their screening, vetting, and information-sharing standards.
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