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Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Move to Bar U.S. Travelers After Expanded U.S. Visa Bans

The White House frames the restrictions as a national-security measure tied to screening deficiencies.

Overview

  • President Trump expanded entry restrictions to a total of 39 countries through orders issued in June and December, with some nations facing full bans and others partial limits.
  • Mali and Burkina Faso have officially imposed reciprocal bans on U.S. tourists, and Niger has announced a similar step, according to recent reporting.
  • The administration cites severe deficiencies in screening, vetting or information-sharing, along with indicators such as visa-overstay rates and refusal to accept deportation flights.
  • Exemptions in the December order allow athletes, coaches, support staff and immediate relatives to travel for the 2026 World Cup, the Olympics and other major events.
  • An opinion analysis contends the criteria are applied selectively and align with political or business ties, with a large share of newly targeted countries located in Africa.