Trump Widens Travel Ban to 39 Countries. Thousands of Students Face Visa Freeze
President Donald Trump has announced a major expansion of US travel restrictions, extending full or partial bans to a total of 39 countries starting January 1, 2026. The new measures include a complete travel ban on seven additional countries and partial entry restrictions on 15 others, among them Nigeria — one of the largest sources of international students to the United States.
Under the proclamation, both full and partial restrictions block F and J visas, which are commonly used by international students, researchers, and short-term academic staff. As a result, Nigerian citizens will no longer be able to obtain student visas, despite the country’s growing contribution to US higher education.
Higher education groups and immigration advocates have strongly criticised the move, warning that it will further limit the US’s ability to attract global talent. Organisations such as NAFSA and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration argue that the expanded ban harms America’s economic competitiveness and sends a message that international students are no longer welcome.
The Trump administration justified the restrictions by pointing to high visa overstay rates from certain countries. Nigeria was cited as an example, with claims that more than 10% of Nigerians on student or exchange visas overstay their permission to remain in the US. However, multiple education and policy groups have disputed the accuracy of these figures, calling the data flawed and selectively used to support predetermined policy decisions.
The proclamation includes exemptions for lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, diplomats, athletes, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve US national interests. No specific exemption was made for future international students.
While restrictions were tightened for most countries, Turkmenistan was the only nation to see eased rules after US officials said it had improved cooperation on identity management and information sharing.