A diplomatic conflict between the United States and several other countries intensified following President Trump’s implementation of travel restrictions. This situation escalated with new constraints affecting numerous nations.
The turmoil intensified in December 2025, as additional countries were included in the comprehensive list of travel bans to the US. Within the initial year of Trump’s second term, visa restrictions were imposed on travelers from 39 countries.
In response to their inclusion on the travel ban list in late 2025, Mali and Burkina Faso retaliated by imposing similar restrictions on US citizens wishing to enter their countries.
The leaders of these nations justified their actions using the ‘principle of reciprocity.’
This week, the State Department expanded its immigration control efforts by imposing a significant financial bond requirement for residents from several predominantly African countries seeking entry into the United States.
The State Department specifies that individuals from 38 nations must post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on their entry interview, to gain US entry.
Entry is restricted to seven major US airports.
This bond will be forfeited if the traveler does not leave the US by their visa’s expiration date or if they seek asylum after entry. The bond is returned if the individual exits the US in compliance with their visa terms.
The administration introduced these measures to curb illegal immigration due to visa overstays. The State Department determines each country’s inclusion based on documented travel visa infractions.
Of the 38 countries affected by these additional entry demands, 24 are located in Africa.
Officials note that these travel requirements can be waived for individuals whose applications ‘serve US interests.’ This may include international diplomats and athletes participating in sports events.
The following countries face a complete ban on immigrant and non-immigrant travel to the United States.
The following countries are subject to partial visa restrictions for immigration to the United States.