(UNITED STATES) Proclamation 10949, signed by former President Trump in June 2025, created two very different levels of restrictions on people trying to travel to the United States 🇺🇸. The measure divides countries into Full Travel Ban Countries and Partial Travel Ban Countries, and the rules for each group affect almost every kind of visa and entry option. For families, students, workers, and refugees, the difference between being on the full list or the partial list can completely change their chances of entering or staying in the country.
At the heart of Proclamation 10949 is one key idea: some governments are not, in the view of U.S. officials, meeting American standards on security screening, information sharing, or cooperation on deportations. The proclamation responds to this by sharply limiting who from those countries can receive visas or enter the United States. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the practical effect is a layered system where some people face a complete block, while others face targeted, but still very serious, limits on travel and immigration.
The proclamation took effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT for both the Full Travel Ban Countries and the Partial Travel Ban Countries. That date and time matter because many of the exceptions in the text are tied to when visas were issued or when people gained permanent resident status.
Full Travel Ban Countries — Scope and Immediate Effects
Under Proclamation 10949, the Full Travel Ban Countries face the strictest rules. For these countries, entry into the United States is fully suspended for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, except for narrow exceptions written into the proclamation.
The 12 Full Travel Ban Countries are:
– Afghanistan
– Chad
– Republic of the Congo
– Equatorial Guinea
– Eritrea
– Haiti
– Iran
– Libya
– Myanmar (Burma)
– Somalia
– Sudan
– Yemen
For nationals of these countries, visa issuance is essentially stopped for new applications across almost all categories, including:
– Immigrant visas (permanent residence)
– Nonimmigrant visas (short-term visas like visitors, students, many work visas)
Practical examples:
– A Somali citizen applying for a new B-1/B-2 tourist visa will almost certainly be refused unless they qualify for a listed exception or a case‑by‑case waiver.
– An Eritrean parent waiting abroad for an immigrant visa through a family petition will face a complete suspension on visa issuance unless an exception applies.
– A Yemeni student hoping to start university in the U.S. on an F-1 visa will not be issued a visa under the full ban rules unless an exception applies.
The phrase “fully suspended” signals that the policy is designed not just to tighten screening but to block almost all new travel from these 12 countries, with very few pathways left open.
Partial Travel Ban Countries — Targeted Restrictions
The Partial Travel Ban Countries face different, targeted restrictions. Entry is not completely stopped for these countries, but specific visa categories are suspended, especially those for short‑term travel and study.
The 7 Partial Travel Ban Countries are:
– Burundi
– Cuba
– Laos
– Sierra Leone
– Togo
– Turkmenistan
– Venezuela
Key visa categories affected (examples):
– B-1/B-2 (business and tourist visas)
– F and M (student and vocational student visas)
Important implications:
– Some visa options remain available for nationals of Partial Travel Ban Countries.
– U.S. consulates can still issue certain immigrant visas or some work or family‑based categories, depending on consular instructions and local guidance.
– But common short-term travel — tourism, business trips, and study — may be largely blocked.
Practical examples:
– A Cuban tourist seeking a B-2 visa to visit family may face a categorical denial.
– A student from Laos admitted to a U.S. college may be unable to receive an F-1 visa if that category is restricted for their nationality.
– A professional from Togo invited to a conference on a B-1 visa could see their application refused.
Compared with the Full Travel Ban Countries, there are more possible pathways for people from Partial Travel Ban Countries, especially where visa categories are not explicitly blocked.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison: Full vs. Partial
| Aspect | Full Travel Ban Countries | Partial Travel Ban Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Number of countries | 12 | 7 |
| Visa issuance | Fully suspended for all immigrant and nonimmigrant visas (narrow exceptions only) | Suspended for certain visa categories (e.g., B-1, B-2, F, M) but not all |
| Entry restrictions | Barred, unless falling under narrow exceptions (diplomats, some SIVs, certain athletes, LPRs, dual nationals using non‑restricted passports) | Restricted but not fully barred — some visa classes and exceptions remain possible |
| Scope of exceptions | Narrow, but includes SIVs, athletes, LPRs, dual nationals, some diplomatic visas | Similar exceptions but more people may qualify because fewer categories are blocked |
| Effective date | June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT | June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT |
For families and employers, the difference is critical. Being from a Full Travel Ban Country can mean no realistic route for short‑term or long‑term travel unless an exception fits. Being from a Partial Travel Ban Country may still leave certain legal paths open.
Common Exceptions That Still Allow Travel or Status
Although Proclamation 10949 is strict, it does not apply to every person from the listed countries. Several common exceptions apply to both Full and Partial Travel Ban Countries. These exceptions are especially important for people who completed immigration steps before June 9, 2025, or who fall into protected categories.
1. Valid Visas Issued Before June 9, 2025
- Valid visas issued before June 9, 2025, are not revoked.
- Example: A Haitian national with a B-2 visa issued in 2024 retains that visa until its normal expiration, unless canceled for another reason.
- Example: A Venezuelan student with an F-1 visa issued before the effective date can still use it for travel, assuming compliance with other immigration rules.
This confirms the proclamation targets new visa issuance and new entries, not retroactive cancellation.
2. U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
- Green card holders who obtained status before June 9, 2025, are not blocked from returning to the United States solely because of nationality.
- Example: An Iranian green card holder visiting abroad can reenter if their status predates the proclamation.
This follows long-standing legal protections for permanent residents.
3. Dual Nationals Using a Non‑Restricted Passport
- Nationals of listed countries who also hold citizenship of a non‑restricted country and travel on that passport are treated under the rules of the non‑restricted country.
- Example: A dual national of Sudan and France traveling on a French passport is not automatically blocked.
4. Diplomatic and Official Visa Categories
- Certain diplomatic and official visas are excluded:
- A visas (diplomats)
- C visas (transit)
- G visas (international organization representatives)
- NATO visas
Travel tied to government or international duties is handled differently.
5. Participants in Major Sporting Events
- The proclamation permits certain individuals connected to major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics to travel.
- May include athletes, coaching staff, and essential support personnel.
6. Special Immigrant Visas and Certain U.S. Government Employees
- Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghan nationals and certain U.S. government employees are exempt, recognizing past cooperation.
7. Refugees and Asylum Seekers with Existing Protection
- The proclamation does not strip protections from those already admitted as refugees or granted asylum/withholding of removal in the U.S.
Key takeaway: Many exceptions protect people who already had visas or status before June 9, 2025, or who fall into diplomatic, humanitarian, athletic, or special‑immigrant categories.
Ongoing 90‑Day Reviews and Possible Changes
Proclamation 10949 requires the U.S. administration to review the list of affected countries every 90 days. During each review, officials can:
– Add countries for noncooperation on security and deportation
– Remove countries that have improved cooperation
– Change the level of restrictions (move a country between partial and full ban)
These reviews create fluidity and uncertainty. A country not listed today could be added in the next cycle, and vice versa.
For official updates, the U.S. Department of State posts information about presidential proclamations at:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/presidential-proclamations.html
Practical Impact on Common Visa Categories
While the proclamation focuses on classes of visas, its real‑world effects vary by category.
Tourist and Business Visitors (B-1/B-2)
- Full Travel Ban Countries: New B-1/B-2 visas are broadly blocked; short family visits or business meetings become nearly impossible without an exception or waiver.
- Partial Travel Ban Countries: B visas are specifically mentioned as potentially suspended, so denials are likely when the category is listed.
Consequences:
– Families and businesses must consider alternatives (third‑country travel, remote participation).
– Default assumption for listed B‑class visas is denial.
Students (F and M Visas)
- From Full Travel Ban Countries: New F and M visas are suspended along with other categories.
- From Partial Travel Ban Countries: F and M visas may be specifically suspended.
Impact:
– Students with offers or scholarships may be unable to enter despite admission.
– Educational and scholarship plans can be derailed or delayed indefinitely.
Immigrant Visas and Family Reunification
One of the most painful effects is on family reunification.
- For Full Travel Ban Countries, all immigrant visas are fully suspended, except narrow exceptions (e.g., SIVs).
- Filing family petitions like Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (https://www.uscis.gov/i-130) can still occur, but final visa issuance at consular posts may be blocked.
Examples:
– A U.S. citizen who files an I-130 for a Yemeni spouse can receive USCIS approval, but the consulate may not be able to issue the immigrant visa due to the proclamation.
– Parents in Afghanistan or Eritrea may remain separated from U.S. citizen children even after petitions are processed if the consular visa step is blocked.
For Partial Travel Ban Countries, immigrant visa issuance is not explicitly halted across the board, leaving more room for family‑based immigration — but delays and uncertainty remain.
Consular Processing and Application Forms
The usual visa procedures remain in force, but consular discretion is narrowed by the proclamation.
- Nonimmigrant applicants still must complete Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC).
- Consular officers may be legally required to deny applications from nationals of listed countries when the category is suspended, even after applicants complete DS-160, pay fees, and attend interviews.
Examples:
– A Libyan applicant can complete the DS-160 and attend an interview, but under a full ban the officer may have to deny the application unless an exception applies.
– A Turkmenistan student may follow all steps but still be denied if F visas are suspended for their nationality.
This disconnect between procedural compliance and legal admissibility has caused frustration for many applicants.
Policy Rationale and Broader Implications
Proclamation 10949 is framed as a national security measure designed to:
– Encourage foreign governments to share more traveler information
– Improve foreign identity‑management systems
– Increase cooperation on deporting nationals
The structure of full and partial bans creates pressure points — full bans send the strongest signal, partial bans warn that conditions must improve or restrictions may escalate.
Human impact:
– Families split across borders
– Students losing educational opportunities
– Professionals missing career chances
Because lists are reviewed every 90 days, affected communities, lawyers, and individuals must monitor official sources and consider legal advice tailored to individual circumstances.
Practical Checklist for Affected Individuals
If you or someone you know is linked to the 19 listed countries, consider the following:
1. Determine whether the country is on the full or partial list.
2. Identify which visa categories are fully suspended versus potentially available.
3. Check whether you fit into any written exceptions (valid pre‑June 9 visas, LPR, dual national with non‑restricted passport, diplomatic/official visas, athletes, SIVs, refugees/asylees).
4. Monitor official updates from the U.S. Department of State and USCIS, because rules can change with each 90‑day review.
Final thought: The legal distinction between Full and Partial Travel Ban Countries is clear on paper, but for real people it translates to missed flights, canceled plans, and long waits for policy changes that may or may not come.
If you want, I can:
– Produce a printable one‑page summary of how the proclamation affects a specific visa category.
– Help check whether a particular case (country + visa type + date of visa/status) likely qualifies for an exception.
Proclamation 10949, effective June 9, 2025, classifies 19 countries into full and partial travel bans. Twelve countries face near-total suspension of new immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, while seven countries face targeted restrictions on categories such as B (visitor) and F/M (student) visas. Exceptions include valid pre‑June 9 visas, lawful permanent residents, diplomats, dual nationals using non‑restricted passports, SIVs, athletes, and refugees. The administration will review and can revise the lists every 90 days, creating ongoing uncertainty for affected individuals and families.
