Zambia added to expanded U.S. travel restrictions list

Zambia is among 15 countries newly subject to partial U.S. travel restrictions following an expansion of entry controls announced by the Trump administration on Tuesday.

The measures form part of a broader overhaul of U.S. travel and immigration policy, with the administration confirming that restrictions will now apply to an additional 20 countries, as well as people travelling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. This move doubles the number of nations affected by travel limits first introduced earlier this year.

Under the new proclamation, five countries, alongside holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents, will face a full ban on travel to the United States. A further 15 countries, including Zambia, will be subject to partial restrictions, limiting certain categories of travel and immigration.

The full list of countries facing partial restrictions includes Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The administration says the expansion is part of ongoing efforts to tighten U.S. entry standards. Critics, however, argue that the policy unfairly restricts travel and migration from a wide range of countries, disproportionately affecting ordinary citizens rather than addressing security concerns.

Exemptions will apply to several groups, including lawful permanent U.S. residents, individuals who already hold valid visas, and travellers in specific categories such as diplomats and athletes. People whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests may also be allowed to travel.

The new restrictions are set to come into force on 1 January 2026.