New executive order could introduces tiered security categories, limiting entry for business and leisure travelers
Mar 11, 2025
The Trump administration plans to expand its 2017 travel ban with an executive order introducing stricter entry restrictions. The policy would create three security categories, limiting visas based on each country’s compliance with U.S. security standards. Afghanistan may be added to the fully banned list. While a 2018 Supreme Court ruling supports the original ban, easing legal challenges, concerns remain over economic impacts, as past restrictions reduced U.S. business travel spending.
Key takeaways
- Expansion of travel ban: The Trump administration is set to expand its original 2017 travel ban, introducing new restrictions and security requirements for travelers from additional countries;
- New country classifications: The proposed order includes three levels of security classifications- “red” (full travel ban), “orange” (limited visa access, mainly for business travelers), and “yellow” (countries required to improve security measures within 60 days);
- Afghanistan added: A draft version of the order includes Afghanistan among the fully banned “red” countries, though its final inclusion remains uncertain;
- Visa restrictions: Business travelers from certain countries may still be able to obtain visas, but tourist and immigration visas will be significantly restricted;
- Security review & implementation: A January executive order required U.S. agencies to review country-specific security measures, with a final list expected soon;
- Legal & economic impact: The Supreme Court’s 2018 approval of the original ban likely paves the way for implementation without major legal challenges. However, past travel bans reportedly led to a $1.3 billion reduction in business travel spending in 2017.
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