Trump Administration Considers Visa Ban on Nigeria and 35 Other Countries

In a significant development that could reshape U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump is reportedly considering adding Nigeria and several other African nations to a new list of countries facing visa restrictions.

According to an internal memo obtained by The Washington Post, the proposed travel ban could affect 36 countries globally—25 of which are in Africa.

The memo, signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines concerns over what the administration describes as a lack of transparency and inadequate data systems in the affected countries, which hamper U.S. authorities’ ability to properly screen travelers. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is among those named, alongside key U.S. allies on the continent such as Egypt and Djibouti.

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This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration controls and enhance national security. Officials argue that the countries listed either lack competent and cooperative government institutions to issue trustworthy civil and identity documents or have been plagued by issues such as widespread fraud or high numbers of citizens overstaying their U.S. visas.

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If the proposed restrictions are approved, countries on the list will be expected to submit an initial plan of action to the U.S. State Department as early as Wednesday. They would also have a 60-day window to meet new vetting standards and security benchmarks. Failure to comply could result in formal travel bans, effectively limiting or suspending visa issuance to their citizens.

The list also includes countries beyond Africa, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Bhutan, Cambodia, Syria, and Tonga. However, the concentration of African nations—particularly those with close military and diplomatic ties to Washington—has raised concerns about the geopolitical and economic implications of the proposed ban.

This follows a recent round of visa restrictions already placed on nationals from 12 countries including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, Libya, and Somalia earlier this month. Immigration analysts warn that the sweeping nature of the proposed bans could complicate diplomatic relations and hinder cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, trade, and education.

While the Trump administration insists the measures are purely security-driven, critics argue the move could disproportionately impact African nations and deepen perceptions of discrimination in U.S. foreign policy. For many families, professionals, and students from the affected countries, the looming restrictions represent not just a bureaucratic hurdle—but a potential barrier to opportunity and mobility.

As the world watches for Trump’s final decision, affected nations are now scrambling to comply with Washington’s requirements, hoping to avoid inclusion on a list that could isolate millions from traveling to or residing in the United States.