The US State Department has dismissed rumors regarding potential travel restrictions by President Donald Trump’s administration, stating that there is no travel ban list in existence. This clarification comes in response to a draft list that surfaced, reportedly naming 41 countries—including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran—divided into three groups that would face varying degrees of travel restrictions.
According to a memo reviewed by Reuters, Pakistan was included in a group that could face a partial suspension of visa issuance if its government fails to address specific deficiencies within 60 days. The first group, consisting of ten countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, would be subject to a full visa suspension.
The second group includes five countries—Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan—that would experience partial suspensions affecting tourist, student, and other immigrant visas, with some exceptions. The third group comprises 26 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, which could also face partial visa suspensions under similar conditions.
A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, cautioned that the list is subject to change and has not yet been approved by the administration, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This move echoes the travel ban implemented during Trump’s first presidential term, which targeted seven majority-Muslim nations and underwent several revisions before being upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
On January 20, Trump issued an executive order mandating intensified security vetting for foreigners seeking admission to the US to identify potential national security threats.
Addressing the reports of the alleged travel restrictions list, State Department official Bruce emphasized that while there is a review process in place to enhance national security regarding visas, the notion of a travel ban list as reported is inaccurate. “What has been touted as something that is an item through the State Department just simply isn’t the case,” she clarified.
