The United States has introduced new travel restrictions affecting several African countries, including members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Nigeria, and other nations, following a proclamation issued by President Donald Trump.
According to Business Insider Africa, the measures were announced under a presidential proclamation dated December 16th, 2025, and are intended to strengthen US national security by addressing shortcomings in vetting, screening, and information-sharing procedures for foreign nationals.
Partial restrictions affecting Nigeria and others
Partial travel restrictions apply to several countries, including Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
US officials said these measures are based mainly on visa overstay rates, border control challenges, and weaknesses in civil registration systems. Nigeria’s inclusion was linked to security concerns involving Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates, as well as difficulties monitoring visa overstays. US figures cited a 5.56% overstay rate for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90% for F, M, and J visas.
Security reasons behind the new restrictions
Reports cite that the US government said the restrictions are directed at improving national security by ensuring that countries meet required standards for identity verification, passport control, and criminal background checks. Officials said some governments do not have adequate systems to share security-related information with U.S. authorities.
The proclamation keeps full entry restrictions in place for nationals of 12 countries previously designated under Proclamation 10949. These countries are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
AES states and other countries under full restrictions
Countries newly placed under full entry restrictions include Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all members of the Alliance of Sahel States. South Sudan and Syria were also added to the list.
The US cited concerns related to terrorist activity, governance challenges, and weaknesses in civil documentation systems. These issues were said to limit the ability of authorities to conduct effective screening and information-sharing. The restrictions include the suspension of most visa categories.
Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously under partial measures, are now subject to full entry limitations. Travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority are also affected following concerns over vetting processes linked to ongoing conflicts.
Exemptions and future review process
The proclamation provides exemptions for “lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories such as diplomats and athletes, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests.”
US officials said the restrictions may be reviewed if affected countries improve vetting standards, information-sharing practices, and cooperation on counterterrorism efforts. The policy is expected to influence travel, education, and business links between the United States and the affected African nations.
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