FAQs: What the US Border & Immigration Executive Order relating to Travel Ban means for Travellers

United States Travel Ban

Updated 18 December 2017

Disclaimer: This FAQ does not constitute visa advice. Visa advice can be obtained from the US Department of Homeland Security or your nearest US embassy or consulate. Please also refer to the ESTA FAQ here.

An updated version of the US President’s executive order relating to the travel ban was upheld by the Supreme Court on 4 December 2017.

There have been a few changes to the previous version and there are now restrictions on citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen from entering the US.

Please note: Iraq and Sudan have been removed from the list but citizens of these countries will be subject to additional screening.

What are the restrictions?

  • Citizens of Chad: May not enter the USA as immigrants or non immigrants (on tourist or business visas). 
  • Citizens of Iran: May not enter the USA as immigrants or non immigrants (on tourist or business visas), however Iranians with valid student and exchange visas may still enter, subject to additional screening. 
  • Citizens of Libya: May not enter the USA as immigrants or non immigrants (on tourist or business visas).
  • Citizens of North Korea: May not enter the USA as immigrants or non immigrants (on tourist or business visas).
  • Citizens of Somalia: May not enter the USA as immigrants. They may enter as non immigrants on tourist or business visas, subject to additional screening. 
  • Citizens of Syria: May not enter the USA as immigrants or non immigrants (on tourist or business visas). 
  • Citizens of Venezuela: Certain Venezuelan government officials and their immediate families may not enter the USA as non immigrants on tourist or business visas. 
  • Citizens of Yemen: May not enter the USA as immigrants or non immigrants (on tourist or business visas). 

 

What about dual citizens? 

If someone is a citizen of one of the listed countries and another (such as Australia, New Zealand, Britain etc) they are not subject to the restrictions above. They will however require a visa and to travel on a passport other than from one of the restricted nations.

 

What about US residents or Green Card/visa holders?

Citizens of one of the restricted nations who are also US residents, citizens or holders of a valid visa or Green Card are not subject to these restrictions. Bear in mind that the US border and immigration authorities still reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone, even those holding valid ESTAs or visas.

 

What about people who have visited one of these listed nations since March 2011?

Regardless of your nationality, if you have visited Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 2011, you will need a visa to enter the USA. You will not be able to travel on an ESTA. Please check directly with your nearest US consulate regarding travel to Iran, Sudan or Syria since 1 March 2011 and if this impacts you getting an ESTA.

We strongly advise that you apply for your visa at least two months prior to travel. The process may be expedited but it is best to allow as much time as possible. If you have any concerns about your travel status or visa validity, it is strongly recommended to contact your nearest US embassy or consulate personally.

Can my travel consultant contact the US consulate on my behalf?

It is best if you contact the consulate yourself due to the personal nature of the information and the identity verification they will require. You should have your passport details handy when you are speaking to the consulate.

Will this all change again?

Almost certainly, yes it will. The Supreme Court will likely do a further review in the future.