Why US May Ban Visas for 36 Countries — Including Nigeria

The United States (US) is reportedly set to expand its travel ban, with Nigeria and 35 other countries potentially facing strict visa restrictions. The move, outlined in a leaked U.S. State Department memo, is part of a broader national security policy aimed at tightening entry rules and combating identity fraud and visa overstays.

According to The Washington Post, the memo—signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio—gives the governments of the affected countries 60 days to meet newly introduced security benchmarks. Each nation must submit an action plan by 8 a.m. on Wednesday, detailing measures to improve the integrity of their travel documents and enhance information sharing with the U.S.

The list of 36 countries includes 25 from Africa, a signal of the policy’s potential impact on the continent. In addition to concerns about weak governance and document fraud, the U.S. has flagged many of these nations for high numbers of nationals overstaying visas.

The countries reportedly at risk of inclusion in the expanded ban are:

1. Angola

2. Antigua and Barbuda

3. Benin

4. Bhutan

5. Burkina Faso

6. Cabo Verde

7. Cambodia

8. Cameroon

9. Democratic Republic of Congo

10. Djibouti

11. Dominica

12. Ethiopia

13. Egypt

14. Gabon

15. Gambia

16. Ghana

17. Ivory Coast

18. Kyrgyzstan

19. Liberia

20. Malawi

21. Mauritania

22. Niger

23. Nigeria

24. Saint Kitts and Nevis

25. Saint Lucia

26. Sao Tome and Principe

27. Senegal

28. South Sudan

29. Syria

30. Tanzania

31. Tonga

32. Tuvalu

33. Uganda

34. Vanuatu

35. Zambia

36. Zimbabwe

The proposed ban has stirred anxiety among diplomats, migration experts, and citizens, especially in Nigeria, where the U.S. remains a top destination for education, business, and family reunification. Critics argue the broad criteria could punish countries still recovering from instability, despite their efforts to comply with international standards.

The move comes just weeks after the U.S. introduced tighter visa rules for Nigerian applicants, raising concerns of a diplomatic strain between Washington and Abuja.

The U.S. State Department has not officially confirmed the final list but insists the initiative is part of its global effort to strengthen border security.

As of now, affected countries have until mid-August to respond and avoid full visa bans. Nigerian officials are yet to release a formal statement, but sources suggest high-level talks are ongoing to prevent further escalation.