The administration of United States President Donald Trump has implemented a new set of stringent travel restrictions, significantly impacting numerous nations across the globe. Effective from January 1, 2026, the policy targets citizens from 39 countries, with a pronounced focus on the African continent.
Africa Bears the Brunt of New US Immigration Rules
Since his return to the White House, President Trump has moved decisively to tighten US immigration controls. This latest action is described by the administration as a necessary measure to manage immigration flows and safeguard national security from perceived threats. Out of the 39 nations affected, a staggering 26 are African countries. The restrictions are not uniformly applied; they are divided into full suspension of entry and partial limitations.
Twelve African nations are under a full entry suspension. The White House provided specific justifications for each, often citing a combination of security concerns, non-cooperation on deportations, and high rates of visa overstays.
The countries facing a complete ban include:
- Burkina Faso: Due to terrorist group activities, refusal to accept deported citizens from the US, and a high visa overstay rate.
- Mali: Justified by ongoing conflict and terrorism.
- Niger: Cited for terrorism, widespread abductions, and a high visa overstay rate.
- Sierra Leone: Noted for a visa overstay rate of 35.83% and a history of rejecting deported nationals.
- South Sudan: Restricted for failure to accept deported citizens and a high overstay rate.
Nigeria Faces Partial Restrictions Alongside 13 Others
A larger group of fourteen African countries, including Nigeria, are subject to partial travel restrictions. The rationale here heavily leans on data from the US Overstay Report, detailing the percentage of visitors who remain in the country beyond their visa's validity.
For Nigeria, the White House pointed to the activities of terrorist and armed groups within the country, which it says creates substantial challenges for proper screening and vetting of applicants. Additionally, it provided specific overstay figures: a 5.56% overstay rate for B-1/B-2 (business/tourism) visas and an 11.90% rate for F, M, and J (student and exchange visitor) visas.
Other nations under partial restrictions and their cited overstay rates include:
- Angola: 14.43% (B-1/B-2) and 21.92% (F, M, J).
- Benin: 12.34% (B-1/B-2) and 36.77% (F, M, J).
- The Gambia: 12.70% (B-1/B-2) and 38.79% (F, M, J), plus refusal to accept deported nationals.
- Malawi: 22.45% (B-1/B-2) and 31.99% (F, M, J).
- Zambia: 10.73% (B-1/B-2) and 21.02% (F, M, J).
Broader Context and Implications
This move expands on an earlier executive order signed by President Trump in June, which restricted entry for citizens from nations including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. The inclusion of so many African nations in the 2026 list marks a significant shift in the geography of US immigration enforcement.
The policy is likely to have immediate repercussions for diplomatic relations, educational exchanges, and business travel between the US and the affected African states. For many Nigerian students, professionals, and families with ties to the United States, the partial restrictions introduce new layers of uncertainty and scrutiny in the visa application process.
The White House maintains that these steps are essential for national security, while critics argue they unfairly target a single continent and may hinder broader international cooperation.
