The US recently announced a stop in visa processing for citizens from 75 countries around the globe. In addition to this, the US has also out in place all out travel bans for several countries as well (list below).
Since these policies have come in several countries have retaliated with reciprocal travel bans aimed at US travellers. Here is what we know so far about where US citizens are banned from travelling, and which countries make it almost impossible.
Africa
Chad
After Chad was added to the list the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chad said that they would be suspending all visa processing for US passports for tourists wishing to visit Chad. It has been said that official visas for business and other purposes may still be honoured, however tourist visas that have been already approved are still up in the air.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger
These three countries that make up what is called the Alliance of the Sahel States often written as AES (Alliance des États du Sahel). Since the start of 2026, these three states have outright banned travellers from the US from entering or obtaining vias. At first there was the introduction of a reciprocal visa bond of 15,000 USD for Mali, this however was recently changed to an all-out ban in line with the other two AES nations.
For more information on these countries see our destination guides on our website.
Gabon
Since January 2026, Gabon has also suspended visa processing for US citizens. Piror to this US citizens were granted 5-year tourist visas. It is not known if previously issued visa will still be valid at the border.
Malawi
Malawi has announced that they will introduce a reciprocal bond on arrival of 15,000 USD. Recent reports show though that US citizens have only had to pay the normal visa on arrival fee. This could still change but again there is no official date or information on this further.
Sudan
Sudan hasn’t banned citizens, however the visa process is apparently taking over 1-year for US citizens, with some people just being outright refused.
South America
Venezuela
While there is no official ban on US citizens entering the US, obtaining a Venezuelan visa for US citizens is extremely difficult. While some people have had limited luck at the embassy in Mexico City, recently almost no US citizens have been approved for a visa. With the latest developments this could change. When these developments come through you better believe we will be providing updates.
Where are US citizens banned from travelling to?
North Korea
For years now the US government has banned its citizens from entering North Korea for tourism purposes. This is a ban that has been renewed year on year and there doesn’t seem to be any reason why it would change. US citizens with dual citizenship have been able to enter the country.
It is worth noting that it is not North Korea that has implemented the ban, it is from the US side.
Cuba
Cuba is a weird one. Technically US citizens are not allowed to travel to Cuba solely for tourism purposes. However, there is a list of 12 reasons that you can have to legitimately enter the country. These reasons are:
• Support for the Cuban people (independent visits and interactions with people and culture);
• Family visits;
• Educational activities;
• Humanitarian projects;
• Journalistic activities;
• Religious activities;
• Official government business;
• Professional or research activities; and
• Certain cultural, athletic, or professional events.
Travel in the country is also subject to restrictions and some places of business and hotels are banned for US tourists by the US government. Here is a list of anned hotels in Cuba from the State Department website: https://www.state.gov/division-for-counter-threat-finance-and-sanctions/cuba-restricted-list
When boarding a flight to Cuba from the US you must state your reason for travel. From what we’ve heard it’s pretty relaxed and many people just say they are “going to a wedding”.
Who is banned from entering the US?
Under the new administration the following countries are now banned from applying for visas and travelling to the United States:
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Niger, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Can US citizens travel with us to our destinations?
Yes, absolutely! We welcome everyone on our tours to any of our destinations. If a US citizen is allowed to enter and we have a way to get you a visa we will try! To see our destinations, check out our
website here
.
How do I join a tour?
Send us an email to [email protected] to get in touch and secure your spot.
