In a significant move affecting international travel, former United States President Donald Trump has expanded existing immigration restrictions to include several new countries, with Nigeria prominently featured on the list.
New Proclamation Adds 15 Nations to Restricted List
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, President Trump signed a presidential proclamation that imposes partial entry restrictions on nationals from fifteen additional countries. The action builds upon previous executive orders aimed at tightening US border security and vetting procedures for foreign visitors.
The White House justification for the expansion cites what it calls “persistent and severe deficiencies” in the affected nations' processes for screening, vetting, and sharing information with US authorities. These shortcomings, according to the proclamation, present a threat to American public safety and national security.
Full List of Countries Facing New US Entry Restrictions
The updated list now includes the following fifteen nations, whose passport holders will face specific visa and travel limitations:
- Nigeria
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Benin
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Dominica
- Gabon
- The Gambia
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Senegal
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Tanzania
- Tonga
The inclusion of Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation and a key US partner in the region, marks a particularly notable development in US immigration policy.
Implications for Nigerian Travelers and Bilateral Relations
This policy shift is expected to have immediate and profound consequences for Nigerian citizens seeking to travel to the United States for business, education, or tourism. While the exact nature of the “partial restrictions” was detailed in the full proclamation, such measures typically involve limitations on specific visa categories, such as immigrant visas for permanent residency or certain types of non-immigrant visas.
The move is likely to spark diplomatic discussions between Abuja and Washington, as it directly impacts a large community of Nigerian diaspora in the US and longstanding people-to-people exchanges. Analysts will be watching closely to see how this decision influences broader US-Nigeria relations on security cooperation, trade, and other strategic interests.
The announcement, first reported by major US media outlets, reaffirms the Trump administration's focus on immigration control as a central pillar of its national security agenda. As the situation develops, potential travelers from all affected countries are advised to consult official US government sources for the most current guidance on visa applications and entry requirements.
