The Trump administration is reportedly reviewing a new travel ban that could prevent citizens from nearly half of Africa’s nations from entering the United States. A draft list obtained by The New York Times includes 43 countries, 22 of which are in Africa, alongside five majority-black Caribbean nations. The proposal, still under review, has sparked widespread debate over its potential impact.
Three-Tiered Restriction System
The draft divides countries into three categories—red, orange, and yellow—based on the severity of travel restrictions.
- Red List: Citizens from 11 nations, including Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, and North Korea, would face a total travel ban.
- Orange List: Ten countries, such as Eritrea, Haiti, and South Sudan, would see sharply restricted visa access.
- Yellow List: The remaining 26 nations, including Angola, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe, would have 60 days to improve security measures before facing restrictions.
According to The New York Times, these measures stem from what U.S. officials describe as “vetting and screening information deficiencies.” The administration claims the restrictions are necessary to ensure that foreign nationals entering the U.S. do not pose security threats.
Disproportionate Impact on Africa
Of the 43 countries on the draft list, 22 are African, raising concerns over the focus on the continent. Additionally, five majority-black Caribbean nations, including Haiti and Dominica, are included. Critics argue that the proposal echoes Trump’s first-term travel bans, which targeted Muslim-majority countries and faced legal challenges.
The full list of African countries reportedly facing restrictions includes:
- Angola
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Eritrea
- Gambia
- Guinea
- Liberia
- Libya
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Zimbabwe
Justifications and Ongoing Review
The proposed travel restrictions follow an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20, directing officials to strengthen vetting processes. Cabinet members have until March 21 to submit recommendations. A senior U.S. official told Al Jazeera that the list is still under review and may be adjusted before a final decision is made.
While the administration insists the ban is a security measure, critics argue it disproportionately targets African and Caribbean nations. The timeline for an official announcement remains unclear, with further revisions to the list expected before final approval.