Trump admin eyes travel ban for 36 more countries

The Trump administration is reportedly mulling potential entry restrictions affecting citizens from 36 new countries, substantially broadening travel policies enacted previously.

Scope: State Secretary Marco Rubio has issued a 60-day ultimatum for affected nations to address identified security standards, with Wednesday morning marking the cutoff for submitting initial remediation proposals, according to documents first reported by the Washington Post. Countries under evaluation include Asian nations Cambodia, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan and Syria, Pacific states Tonga and Tuvalu, and approximately 25 African governments such as Egypt, Ivory Coast and South Sudan. Such measures would augment existing complete travel prohibitions covering 12 countries — including Myanmar — and modified entry protocols affecting seven more nations like Laos.

Driving the ban: Federal agencies have documented various security inadequacies among reviewed countries, with particular deficiencies differing by nation. Identified shortcomings include substandard identification document systems, vulnerable passport security measures, elevated unauthorized stay rates and insufficient deportation coordination. Administrative records also reference concerns regarding certain foreign nationals engaging in hostile ideological activities targeting Jewish Americans and broader U.S. interests. Federal data reportedly shows Myanmar citizens violate authorized stay periods in 27% of cases, while Laotian visitors exceed permitted durations at 34.77% rates.

Broader implications: With Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar restricted from the U.S., observers believe China stands to benefit. For starters, the three countries already face some of Trump’s highest tariffs worldwide.

Federal agencies have not established implementation dates for countries unable to satisfy compliance standards.