Cameroon Avoids Inclusion in New U.S. Travel Ban

The Trump administration has released an updated list of countries subject to complete or partial travel restrictions to the United States. Cameroon, despite being previously flagged as a potential addition, is not on the final list.

Two months ago, the U.S. government had raised concerns regarding security protocols in Cameroon and issued a 65-day period for improvements. Cameroon has since addressed those issues to the satisfaction of the administration.

Cameroon Excluded from Final Travel Ban

Cameroon’s removal from the final list follows a period of uncertainty. The updated directive bars citizens from the following countries from entering the United States: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

In addition to the 12 countries facing full bans, seven others have been placed under partial restrictions. These include Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

The nature of the restrictions, however, varies, ranging from limits on visa types to enhanced security checks.

African Countries Disproportionately Affected

Meanwhile, of the 19 countries impacted by the latest U.S. travel policy, 10 are in Africa.

• Complete bans apply to: Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan.
• Partial restrictions apply to: Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

This marks the second time the Trump administration has implemented such travel policies. The Trump administration introduced a travel ban in 2017 that targeted several predominantly Muslim countries. That policy was later reversed under the Biden administration.

The current version reintroduces a similar measure, now expanded to include a wider group of countries beyond those with majority-Muslim populations.

Mimi Mefo Info