The United States plans to expand its travel ban to include over 30 countries, according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The move is part of ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to tighten immigration rules amid growing concerns over national security. The updated US travel ban would affect both immigrants and non-immigrants, including tourists, students and business travelers.
Noem shared the update during an appearance on Fox News, where she said the final number of countries has not been confirmed but would exceed 30. She added that President Donald Trump continues to review the list and evaluate which nations pose a potential risk.
Restrictions are part of the ongoing security review
In June, Trump issued a proclamation that barred entry to citizens from 12 countries and imposed additional restrictions on travelers from seven others. Officials said the policy aimed to prevent foreign terrorist threats and enhance vetting procedures. Noem did not name any of the new countries that may be added to the list.
DHS Sec. Kristi Noem tells Fox News the expanded travel ban list will be over 30 countries. pic.twitter.com/FcAdy4xpOF
— TEAM USA (@TEAM_USA__) December 5, 2025
She explained that allowing entry from countries without stable governments or proper identification systems raises serious security concerns. According to Noem, if a nation cannot verify its own citizens or assist in the vetting process, it becomes unsafe to admit individuals from there into the United States.
A report by Reuters previously indicated that the administration was reviewing travel restrictions for up to 36 more countries, based on an internal State Department communication. While those countries have not been publicly identified, sources said the list was under active consideration.
US travel ban expansion tied to recent violence
The expanded restrictions come after a recent incident in Washington, D.C., where two National Guard members were shot. Investigators identified the suspect as an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 through a refugee resettlement program.
Trump administration officials argue that the program lacked sufficient vetting and may have allowed potential threats into the country.
Following the attack, Trump announced plans to pause immigration from what he described as third-world countries. He did not clarify which nations he was referring to, nor did he define the term.
The announcement sparked criticism from lawmakers and immigrant advocacy groups. Many opposed the decision to block new immigration applications from 19 countries already subject to U.S. travel restrictions. Reports also surfaced that naturalization ceremonies for applicants from those countries were being canceled.
In response to the incident and broader security concerns, officials from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Trump had ordered a comprehensive review of asylum approvals and green cards issued during the Biden administration. The review specifically targets individuals from the 19 restricted countries.
