The Trump administration announced on Tuesday (Dec. 16) that it will further expand its travel ban list, adding five new countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria. Additionally, comprehensive entry restrictions will be imposed on travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Authorities stated that this policy adjustment is based on national security considerations, aiming to address shortcomings in screening and information sharing with the affected countries. The new measures are set to take effect on Jan. 1 next year.
This update extends the travel ban policy first implemented during Trump's initial term. Earlier this year in June, the administration had already imposed entry bans on 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, Libya, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, while applying stricter restrictions on travelers from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. With this latest announcement, the total number of countries covered by the ban has increased from 19 to 40.
According to a report by The Guardian, four countries on the updated U.S. travel ban list have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final tournament. The expanded ban means that more fans may be unable to enter the U.S. to attend matches or support their national teams.
The 2026 World Cup final tournament will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches, with the majority held in the United States. The event is expected to attract millions of fans worldwide. However, due to President Trump's stringent immigration policies, many supporters may be unable to attend in person. Among the countries currently subject to entry bans or restrictions, Haiti, Iran, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal have all secured spots in the upcoming World Cup.
Although Trump has repeatedly expressed enthusiasm for welcoming teams and fans from around the world, his administration's strict immigration policies—particularly the restrictions on citizens from numerous countries and the potential for further expansions—have raised concerns among fans globally. Initially, the ban barred citizens from 12 countries and restricted tourists from seven others. The policy applies not only to players and coaches but also to fans, who represent a major source of tourism revenue for the World Cup. With Tuesday's expansion of the ban list, anxieties in other nations have deepened further.
Earlier this month, during the World Cup group draw ceremony, Trump was awarded a newly established peace prize by FIFA, drawing criticism from those who called the conflicting messaging alarming. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the move, stating that the World Cup should symbolize global unity and the setting aside of differences, yet Trump's policies seek to shut out the world, contradicting the spirit of the event. Due to visa concerns or dissatisfaction with Trump, some fans have already decided against traveling to the U.S. and will instead watch matches in Canada or Mexico.
Related News:
(Video) 2026 FIFA World Cup | Introducing limited affordable tickets, fans can watch final for US$60
Comment