Johnson Progress

The Trump administration has expanded its US travel ban, adding several African and Middle Eastern countries, including Zimbabwe, to a list of 15 nations facing tighter entry restrictions.

The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen immigration screening and national security.

According to the White House, the countries targeted in the expansion were selected due to concerns over corruption, unreliable civil documentation, high visa overstay rates, and limited cooperation with US deportation efforts.

“The United States must exercise extreme vigilance during the visa-issuance and immigration processes to identify, prior to their admission or entry into the United States, foreign nationals who intend to harm Americans or our national interests,” the administration stated.

The new restrictions affect nationals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria, who are now barred from entering the US.

Additionally, travel has been fully restricted for holders of Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents.

Laos and Sierra Leone, previously subject to partial restrictions, will now face full bans.

Zimbabwe, along with 14 other countries, including Angola, Benin, and Nigeria, will face partial restrictions, which may impact certain visa categories and increase scrutiny for travelers.

The administration cited Zimbabwe’s high visa overstay rates, with a 7.89% overstay rate for B-visas and a 15.15% rate for student/exchange visas, as a factor in the decision.

The expanded travel ban is the latest in a series of immigration measures implemented by the Trump administration, which has prioritized national security and stricter immigration controls.

The move has been met with criticism from advocacy groups, who argue that the restrictions are discriminatory and will harm vulnerable populations.

Exceptions to the ban include lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests.

The restrictions are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.