Potential Expansion of U.S. Travel Bans – What You Need to Know

As of March 17, 2025, a draft memo circulating within the U.S. government suggests that the Trump administration is considering new, extensive travel restrictions on citizens from 43 countries. This is still a draft, and the final version may change before implementation.

What’s in the Draft Memo?

The internal document, first reported by Reuters, categorizes the affected countries into three groups:

• Red List (11 countries): A complete travel ban. Countries on this list include Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Venezuela, among others.
• Orange List (10 countries): Stricter entry restrictions, with limited exceptions for business travelers. Mandatory in-person interviews for visas would also be required. Countries on this list include Belarus, Russia, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, among others.
• Yellow List (22 countries): These countries have 60 days to improve security measures or risk facing additional restrictions.

Unanswered Questions

At this stage, there are many unknowns, including:

• Whether current visa holders from these countries will be affected.
• How these restrictions would apply to different visa categories.
• Whether additional countries will be added or removed from the lists.

What Happens Next?

The final decision is expected by March 21. Until then, the lists and specific restrictions may change as U.S. officials continue their review.

If you or someone you know could be impacted, we recommend staying informed and planning accordingly. We will provide updates as more details become available.

If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact our office at (312) 427-6163 or schedule a consultation online.