The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering expanding travel restrictions to citizens of 36 additional countries, including close U.S. allies like Egypt and Djibouti. This information comes from a classified diplomatic memo reviewed by The Washington Post.The memo, signed on Saturday by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, directs U.S. embassies to notify listed countries that they have 60 days to meet newly established U.S. standards. Failure to comply may result in full or partial visa bans for their citizens.The reasons for the proposed restrictions include:Some countries lack credible identity documentation systems.A significant number of their citizens overstay U.S. visas or violate visa terms.Countries potentially facing travel restrictions:Africa (25 countries): Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.Caribbean (4 countries): Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia.Asia (4 countries): Bhutan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Syria.Oceania (3 countries): Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.The memo also mentions that travel bans could be relaxed if a country agrees to accept third-country nationals deported from the U.S. or signs a Safe Third Country Agreement.The listed countries must submit an initial action plan by 8 AM (U.S. time) this Wednesday explaining how they will comply with the new requirements.This decision comes as Trump reinstates travel restrictions imposed during his first term, banning entry from 12 countries and partially restricting seven more. Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order directing the State Department to review visa and identity verification processes for all countries.A State Department spokesperson said that U.S. policies are regularly reviewed to ensure the safety of American citizens and the enforcement of immigration laws.
