US may expand travel ban to 30+ countries. What it means for travellers?

The Trump administration signals a broader list of restricted countries, raising concerns for global mobility and future itineraries, AP reported.

The United States may soon expand its travel ban to cover citizens of more than 30 countries, according to remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a Fox News interview. The comment follows the recent shooting of two US National Guard members, which has prompted the administration to tighten immigration and entry rules.

 

The June 2025 ban already barred travel to the US from 12 countries and imposed restricted access for citizens of seven more. News agency AP noted that since the late-November shooting incident, the US has heightened restrictions on the 19 countries already on the list, a group that includes Afghanistan, Iran, Somalia and Haiti.

 

 

What Noem has said so far?

During the interview, Noem avoided specifying which additional countries could be added, but stated the overall number would exceed 30. AP reported her view that countries lacking stable governance or the ability to support US vetting processes should not expect their citizens to be allowed entry.

 

The US Department of Homeland Security has not yet clarified when the revised ban will come into force or which nations may be covered, AP said.

 

Why it matters for Indians?

While India is not part of the existing travel ban, the expanded policy has implications for families, students, and employees with connections overseas. Key considerations include:

 

·  Possible impact on transit routes: Indian travellers often transit through hubs in regions that may be affected. An expanded list could create uncertainty in flight planning or visa requirements for multi-country itineraries.

 

·  Family and remittance planning: Families with relatives in affected countries may face delays in reunification, sponsorship, or support transfers if US immigration processes tighten further.

 

·  International education and employment: Students and workers intending to travel to the US from third-world countries could face added scrutiny if they hold residence or travel histories linked to restricted jurisdictions.

 

·  Travel insurance implications: Insurers may revise exclusions related to geopolitical risk, border closures, or abrupt policy changes. Indian travellers should review coverage terms carefully.

 

The broader backdrop

AP reported that the administration has undertaken multiple immigration actions within a week- halting asylum decisions, pausing processing of immigration benefits for people from the 19 affected countries, and suspending visas for Afghans who previously assisted the US. Work-permit validity periods have also been shortened, requiring more frequent re-applications and additional vetting.

 

Critics, according to AP, argue that these measures amount to collective punishment for individuals who have already undergone stringent checks.

 

For Indian travellers, the situation does not change immediate access to the US. However, given the rapid pace of policy shifts, monitoring advisories, maintaining flexible travel plans, and securing comprehensive insurance will be essential as the updated list of restricted countries becomes clearer.

 

(With inputs from AP)