One day after announcing sweeping changes to the ESTA program, including enhanced social-media screening and the new requirement to use its dedicated mobile app, the U.S. government today opened the portal trumpcard.gov, officially launching “The Trump Gold Card”, a program offering an accelerated path to permanent residency in exchange for a substantial financial contribution.

The program is built on a simple premise: upon paying a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and, pending an in-depth background review, making a $1 million contribution, applicants become eligible for fast-tracked permanent residency.

“THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT’S TRUMP GOLD CARD IS HERE TODAY! A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent,” Donald Trump celebrated on Truth Social.

According to the information published on the site, this status falls under the EB-1 or EB-2 visa categories, which are typically reserved for highly skilled individuals or those providing a “substantial benefit” to the United States. The government frames the financial contribution as a concrete demonstration of this added value.

The application process consists of three steps: submission of the application and initial payment, security vetting by USCIS, and then approval granting the ability to use the card throughout the country.

Benefits designed for businesses as well

“Very excitingly for me and for the country, we’ve just launched the Trump Gold Card… all funds go to the United States Government. It could be a tremendous amount of money… It’s somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card,” the President explained.

The new program also includes a corporate version: the “Trump Corporate Gold Card.”

For $2 million per employee, plus a $15,000 DHS fee, a company can obtain permanent residency for the employee of its choice.

One key feature promoted is transferability: a company may stop sponsoring one employee and reassign the contribution already paid to another, subject to a 5% transfer fee and a new security screening. An annual 1% fee is also required.

The U.S. administration argues that this mechanism will allow international businesses to “rapidly strengthen their presence in the United States.”

A “Platinum” option in development, featuring lighter tax obligations

The site also mentions a forthcoming “Trump Platinum Card,” currently in a waitlist phase.

With a $5 million contribution, recipients would be allowed to spend up to 270 days per year in the United States without being subject to U.S. taxation on foreign-source income, an advantage not offered under the “Gold Card”.

However, the program will not be available to individuals who have previously been subject to U.S. taxation on non-U.S. income, excluding citizens and certain current tax residents.

Authorities encourage potential applicants to join the waitlist to receive priority processing once the program becomes active.

A structured program for families and taxation

The government confirms that spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be included in the application, though each must separately pay the $15,000 DHS fee and the $1 million contribution.

As with any visa, the “Gold Card” may be revoked for national-security reasons or significant criminal risks.

Unlike the future “Platinum Card”, “Gold Card” holders, as permanent residents, will be fully subject to the U.S. tax system, including taxation of foreign income.

A program already raising questions

The introduction of a visa based on a high financial contribution has immediately drawn attention from observers.

Supporters view it as a way to quickly attract capital and individuals with strong economic potential, while critics question whether U.S. residency is being turned into a financial product.

According to official documents, “the process should take weeks” after receipt of the complete file and payment.

With the launch of the “Trump Gold Card”, the United States enters a new phase of immigration policy, one in which the ability to make a financial contribution becomes a central selection criterion. The debate over the political, economic, and ethical implications is only beginning.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a notice today in the Federal Register opening a 60-day public comment period on a series of proposed changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), used by travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). These proposals, still in draft form, aim to strengthen identity verification, modernize traveler-facing tools, and meet new regulatory requirements.

The CBP notice is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act, which requires federal agencies to submit new data-collection initiatives for public review before approval.

CBP is inviting citizens, experts, and agencies to comment on the necessity, relevance, and impact of these potential changes, which could ultimately reshape how travelers obtain authorization to enter the United States.

Is ESTA about to move away from web-based applications?

One of the most significant proposals would end the submission of ESTA applications through the website, shifting exclusively to the “ESTA Mobile” app.

The website would remain available to provide information and allow users to check the status of an authorization, but it would no longer accept applications.

Several factors are driving this change:

• A large number of poor-quality passport photos uploaded on the website, preventing reliable facial comparison;
• The website’s inability, unlike the mobile app, to read passport chips using NFC;
• Increasing exploitation of technical vulnerabilities by fraudsters uploading forged documents;
• A rise in fraudulent third-party websites charging travelers without actually submitting applications to CBP.

The mobile app, already used by millions of travelers, incorporates enhanced identity-verification features: mandatory live selfie checks, facial recognition, and electronic passport-chip reading.

Social media at the heart of traveler screening

As part of the implementation of Executive Order 14161, signed in January 2025 to bolster protections against foreign threats, CBP is proposing to make the disclosure of social media handles used in the past five years mandatory for all ESTA applicants.

Previously optional, this information would become a key component of the security vetting process carried out by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

CBP states that this measure is intended to harmonize practices across federal agencies and adapt the vetting process to modern communication methods and digital identity patterns.

The stated objective is to improve the government’s ability to identify inconsistencies, identity fraud, or possible links to individuals or organizations deemed national-security risks.

Mandatory photo for all ESTA applications

CBP is also proposing to make the capture or upload of a selfie mandatory for all ESTA applications, whether submitted through the website or by a third party.

In practice, the official portal (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) already asks most travelers to upload a face photo in addition to their passport image. However, this requirement is not applied uniformly and does not involve live image capture, unlike the mobile app.

The proposed change would extend to the website the requirement already in place on the ESTA Mobile app, which mandates an instant photo automatically compared with the passport image through CBP’s biometric-verification system.

This harmonization may seem surprising, since CBP is considering ultimately reserving application submission exclusively for the mobile app, meaning the website update may simply serve as a temporary stopgap before a full transition to mobile-only processing.

A significant expansion of collected data: The “High-Value Data Elements”

To comply with federal directives issued in 2025, CBP is proposing to add a series of high-value security fields to ESTA, in addition to the information already collected.

These would include:

• Phone numbers used within the past five years;
• Email addresses used within the past ten years;
• IP addresses and metadata associated with submitted photos;
• Names, birth details, addresses, and contact information for immediate family members;
• Additional biometric data, including facial, fingerprint, and iris data, and, when applicable, DNA;
• Professional phone numbers and email addresses from the past five to ten years.

These additions are intended to standardize federal forms and strengthen tools used to detect fraud or identity theft.

Voluntary Self-Reported Exit: A pilot program running parallel to ESTA changes

Alongside its proposed updates to ESTA, CBP notes that it is already testing the Voluntary Self-Reported Exit (VSRE), a feature allowing travelers subject to the I-94 requirement to voluntarily report their departure from the United States through the CBP Home app.

Travelers can submit their biographic information, a mandatory selfie, and their geolocation, data that allows CBP to biometrically confirm that they have left the country.

This feature, considered useful for reducing uncertainty around departures (especially at land borders), could help travelers demonstrate compliance with their authorized stay when seeking entry in the future.

At the end of last September, the U.S. administration made a strong move: the ESTA, required to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), saw its fee jump from $21 to $40 due to the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1).

A steep increase, justified by a restructuring of the system’s funding and the introduction of several fixed fee components. This hike already marked a turning point for travelers, as the cost of the electronic authorization had never risen so sharply since its launch in 2009.

For 2026, the authorities are returning to a much quieter mechanism: the annual adjustment based on inflation, as provided by law. This time, there’s no real shock to the fee, just a symbolic rounding that will still affect millions of travelers, especially fans expected for the 2026 World Cup.

The ESTA fee will increase in 2026, but travelers’ wallets should survive the hit

As stated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in an official notice published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2025, the ESTA will soon be subject to a tiny fee adjustment.

Starting January 1, 2026, the ESTA fee will rise from $40 to… $40.27. A microscopic increase (+$0.27), driven by the evolution of the U.S. Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which rose 2.70% this year.

In practical terms, only one of the three ESTA fee components is affected:

• $17 for the tourism promotion fund (unchanged)
• $13 for the second fixed program component (unchanged)
• $10 → $10.27 for ESTA system management costs (the only part indexed to inflation)

The calculation allows no rounding, resulting in this ultra-precise adjustment that is more amusing than frustrating. If an authorization is denied, the traveler will pay only the “management cost” portion, now set at $10.27.

What is the purpose of ESTA, and who is eligible?

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is the electronic authorization that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States without a visa for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days.

The application is completed online, and once approved, the authorization is valid for two years or until the passport expires. The goal is to simplify travel while maintaining a level of pre-screening before entering U.S. territory.

Here is the list of the 42 countries currently eligible for ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program:

Speaking from the White House, Donald Trump, joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, unveiled yesterday the “FIFA PASS”, a new program designed to streamline visa interview access for supporters planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For Washington, the goal is clear: ensuring that as many international fans as possible can travel to the United States within reasonable timeframes, at a moment when consulates are still dealing with significant backlogs for tourist visa appointments.

Just months ahead of the world’s biggest football event, Gianni Infantino expressed strong satisfaction as he announced the launch of the “FIFA PASS” (Priority Appointment Scheduling System), “a service which gives every fan who buys a FIFA World Cup ticket on FIFA.com/tickets and travelling to the United States the opportunity to schedule a prioritised visa appointment.”

“We have always said that this will be the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history – and FIFA PASS is a very concrete example of that,” said the FIFA President, delighted by the “incredible support” shown by Donald J. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Executive Director Andrew Giuliani, and the White House Task Force.

Relieving pressure on U.S. consulates

The United States, co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, will stage 78 of the World Cup’s 104 matches, with several million visitors expected. This represents a significant challenge, especially since some U.S. consulates, notably in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, traditionally have interview wait times that can stretch for many months.

The “FIFA PASS” does not guarantee a visa, but it does allow its holder, provided they have already purchased an official ticket through FIFA’s platform, to access a priority appointment calendar.

According to initial estimates published by U.S. authorities, wait times could drop to around 60 days in some regions, compared to several hundred days previously.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the announcement, U.S. officials emphasized a key point: a match ticket is not a visa.

“Your ticket is not a visa; it doesn’t guarantee admission to the US,” said Marco Rubio, who was also at the White House on Monday. “We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue.”

Thus, the process remains unchanged: DS-160 form, fee payment, in-person interview, and security checks. The “FIFA PASS” provides only priority access to scheduling, not any influence on the final decision.

Visa, ESTA, and the limits of the “FIFA PASS”: what travelers will need to do

To enter the United States during the 2026 World Cup:

• Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), such as European nations, must apply for an ESTA electronic travel authorization, which is required even outside the tournament period.
• Travelers not eligible for ESTA must apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa.
• The “FIFA PASS” will then provide, for any holder of an official match ticket, access to a priority interview slot at a U.S. consulate.
• Verification procedures, required documents, and the final decision, however, remain unchanged.

In short, the “FIFA PASS” is meant to streamline access to visa appointments, not act as a fast-tracked entry document. It’s a “fast lane,” not a new pathway into the country.

Since 2021, Hungary’s access to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, and therefore to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), had been restricted.

In early 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked ESTAs already issued to Hungarian passport holders born abroad and systematically denied new applications from these travelers.

In August 2023, the Biden administration further reduced ESTA validity for Hungarian nationals, cutting it from two years to one year, while limiting its use to a single entry.

These measures were justified by security concerns raised in Washington.

Hungary once again aligned with other Visa Waiver Program countries

Yesterday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that Hungary would fully regain its status in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), “following the completion of steps taken to address security vulnerabilities.”

“Now that the government of Hungary has taken action requested by the U.S. government to address security vulnerabilities, the restrictions imposed by the previous administration have been lifted, and Hungarian citizens now have expanded access to travel between Hungary and the United States,” the DHS explained.

Thus, as of September 30, 2025, Hungarian citizens will once again be able to apply for an ESTA valid for two years and usable for multiple trips.

This decision puts Hungary back on equal footing with the 41 other member countries of the Visa Waiver Program and will significantly ease travel to the United States.

Viktor Orbán: “Visa-free travel to the U.S. is back”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán immediately welcomed the announcement on his social media.

“Visa-free travel to the U.S. is back. Truly fitting for two friendly nations. Let no one say that friendship makes no difference!” Orbán said enthusiastically.

By emphasizing the value of “friendship” between Budapest and Washington, the Hungarian leader sought to give this development a meaning beyond the technical scope of the ESTA program, framing it as a sign of diplomatic rapprochement between the two countries.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, stated that “the United States and Hungary have a strong security partnership, and that commitment is reflected in the actions that Hungary has taken to meet the security standards of the Visa Waiver Program.”

“Like President Trump, Prime Minister Orbán is dedicated to keeping his borders secure and vetting who comes into his country. When nations secure their borders, they’re making the entire world a safer place – and they should be rewarded for doing so. Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem’s efforts, DHS is reinstituting integrity into our immigration system,” added the Assistant Secretary of the DHS.

An imminent increase in the ESTA fee

While the lifting of restrictions is good news for Hungarian travelers, another change will soon affect all Visa Waiver Program member countries.

As reported by VisasNews a few weeks ago, the ESTA fee will increase from $21 to $40 starting September 30, 2025.

This increase was announced by U.S. authorities as part of a legislative review designed to adjust administrative fees and fund related federal programs.

Over the past several months, the United States has rolled out a series of measures aimed at tightening access to U.S. territory.

Among the most significant changes is a Visa Bond Pilot Program targeting certain B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants. Depending on the case, U.S. consular authorities may now require a refundable deposit of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, which is only reimbursed if the traveler fully complies with the conditions of their stay. For now, this measure applies exclusively to citizens of Malawi and Zambia.

In addition, probably starting October 1, 2025, the U.S. government is expected to introduce a new “visa integrity fee” of $250 for most nonimmigrant visa applications. This fee is intended to fund compliance monitoring but will only be refunded if the applicant strictly follows U.S. immigration rules. The amount will later be adjusted for inflation.

The U.S. Department of State has also announced the elimination of visa interview waivers, which previously allowed certain applicants to renew their visas without appearing in person. As of September 2, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, must now attend an in-person interview with a U.S. consular officer, except in rare circumstances.

Additionally, the fee of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, including most Europeans, will increase from $21 to $40 starting September 30, 2025.

New rule for U.S. nonimmigrant visa applications

In this broader context of stricter immigration policies, the Department of State announced a major new requirement on September 6, 2025: nonimmigrant visa applications must now be submitted in the applicant’s country of residence or nationality.

In practice, this means that, with limited exceptions, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a U.S. visa in a third country. The rule, which is “effective immediately”, applies to most temporary visas, including those for tourism, business travel, study programs, internships, and professional assignments.

The State Department specifies that “nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.”

For example, Afghans applicants must go to the U.S. embassy in Islamabad (Pakistan), Cubans to Georgetown (Guyana), Venezuelans to Bogota (Colombia), Iranians to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Belarusians to Vilnius (Lithuania) or Warsaw (Poland), and Russians to Astana (Kazakhstan) or Warsaw.

Tighter rules ahead of major global events

For U.S. visa applicants, these new requirements may lead to longer processing times. Consulates in high-demand countries are expected to face increased workloads, potentially causing longer wait times and fewer available appointments.

These new requirements come at a strategic time for the country, which is preparing to host two major events: the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

With millions of visitors expected, industry professionals fear these new costs and procedures could deter potential travelers. Applicants may now face a combination of higher expenses, including visa bonds, integrity fees, increased ESTA costs, and the visa fee itself.

In the months ahead, the impact of these new rules on tourism and business travel will become clearer. One thing, however, is certain: entering the United States will now require more preparation, more financial resources, and more patience.

On August 28, VisasNews revealed the effective date of the ESTA fee increase, as well as confirmation of the new fee.

The increase in the ESTA fee for the United States has now been confirmed on the official ESTA website by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. federal agency responsible for managing entry into the country, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The US authorities have just updated the FAQ section of the esta.cbp.dhs.gov portal and officially announced that, as of September 30, 2025, the fee for obtaining an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will increase from $21 to $40.

This is a significant increase that will affect all travelers using the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to enter the United States.

Why is the price of ESTA increasing?

In response to this question, the US authorities explain that this increase is the result of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed last July, which revises the fee structure for ESTA authorization.

“Congress […] added the Treasury General Fund fee of no less than $13 and increased the operational fee portion of the ESTA application fee from $4 to no less than $10. The $17 travel promotion fee portion of the ESTA application has not increased,” announced the CBP.

The $40 fee is now broken down as follows:

• $17 for travel promotion (unchanged);
• $10 for operational fee of the ESTA system (up from $4 previously);
• $13 for the Treasury General Fund fee, a new levy introduced by the law.

When will the new ESTA fee apply?

According to the ESTA portal FAQ, “the CBP systems updates required to collect the new fee amount are scheduled to be effective on September 30, 2025.”

Any ESTA application paid for before this date will remain at the current rate of $21. However, any application initiated but not paid for after the system update will automatically be charged $40.

No need to reapply if your ESTA is still valid

The CBP is reassuring: no additional steps are necessary if you already have an approved ESTA.

“If you already have a valid, approved ESTA you do not need to re-apply,” confirms the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

ESTA remains valid until its expiration date. The new fee will only apply to future applications submitted after September 30, 2025.

ESTA explained: eligibility, required documents, validity, and processing times

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization required to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

To submit your application, you will need:

• your valid biometric or electronic passport;
• a recent passport photo or compliant selfie;
• a credit card or PayPal account to pay the fees online.

Once the application has been completed online, ESTA authorization is usually issued within a few minutes to a maximum of 72 hours. It is valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows you to make multiple trips to the United States, up to a limit of 90 days per trip.

If you are a citizen of one of the following 42 countries and territories, you can enter the United States without a visa for a short stay, as long as you have an approved ESTA authorization:

Every year, millions of tourists and business travelers use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to travel to the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Forty-two countries, including most European Union member states, participate in the US Visa Waiver Program, allowing their citizens, under certain conditions, to travel without a visa and obtain ESTA authorization for short stays.

But as expected for several months, this formality will soon become more expensive…

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed today that the ESTA application fee will increase from $21 to $40 as of September 30, 2025. This is an increase of nearly 90%, the largest since the program was created.

ESTA fee increase: an adjustment imposed by Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

This increase stems from federal law HR-1, officially titled “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, adopted on July 4, 2025. This broad and structuring text thoroughly revises the financing of immigration procedures and electronic border control systems.

In a general notice published Thursday in the Federal Register, the CBP notes that, prior to the enactment of HR-1, the fee for an ESTA authorization was $21.

Following the adoption of this law, the agency specifies that “the ESTA fee is now the sum of three amounts: $17 per travel authorization pre-existing fee; an amount not less than $10; and the new $13 per travel authorization fee, for a total minimum of $40.”

The CBP also emphasizes that it “will begin assessing the new HR-1 fees described in this notice on September 30, 2025.”

The current ESTA price is still valid for a few more weeks

Travelers planning a trip to the United States still have a few weeks to save money on their ESTA application.

Any application submitted before September 30, 2025, will still be charged $21, which is nearly half the future rate. After that date, the cost will rise to $40, with no exceptions.

For families or groups, the impact can quickly become significant: four applications submitted today would cost $84, compared to $160 after the new rates come into effect. It’s a timeline to keep in mind to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Tourism professionals already fear a deterrent effect for some occasional travelers, particularly families or young people who are sensitive to costs.

Remember that ESTA remains valid for two years, or until the passport expires, and allows you to stay up to 90 days per trip to the United States.

Other formalities affected by the reform

ESTA is not the only procedure affected by the fee adjustments. Two other systems are also seeing their fees increase:

• The I-94 form, required for land entries, will increase from $6 to $30.
• Registration with the EVUS system, used by Chinese citizens holding 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 (visitor) visas, will now cost $30.

These measures, which will all come into effect on September 30, 2025, confirm a clear trend: the United States is banking on an overhaul of its fee policy to finance and secure its immigration systems.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, U.S. immigration policy is once again undergoing significant changes. One such development is the reintroduction of a travel ban affecting 12 countries. But another proposal is drawing particular attention.

According to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters, the Trump administration is exploring a plan to offer a $1,000 fast-track option for scheduling short-term visa interviews, specifically the B1/B2 visas, which cover business and tourism travel to the United States.

The stated goal is to provide priority access to available interview slots at U.S. embassies, cutting down the long wait times that can stretch for months.

The pilot program could launch as early as December 2025, according to the memo.

U.S. visa: record wait times justify a premium option

The proposed program would not replace the standard visa process but would add an expedited option for applicants who can afford to pay for faster service. In essence, it would act as a “skip-the-line” feature geared toward travelers with more financial means.

The $1,000 fee would come on top of the current $185 application fee for B1/B2 visas, bringing the total cost of an expedited visa to $1,185 if the proposal moves forward.

As of late May, data from the U.S. State Department shows that wait times for B1/B2 visa appointments vary significantly by country, in some cases exceeding 300 days. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, on the horizon, tourist visa availability has become a pressing issue for thousands of international fans planning to attend.

In this context, a fast-track service, while expensive, could be seen as a practical response to widespread delays across many U.S. embassies around the world.

A legally uncertain and economically risky proposal

While the proposal is generating buzz due to its unprecedented nature, its legal footing is uncertain.

According to the internal memo, attorneys within the State Department have flagged a “high risk” that the plan could be rejected, either by the White House budget office or by federal courts. The core issue: the $1,000 fee would exceed the actual cost of providing the service, potentially violating long-standing Supreme Court rulings that prohibit federal agencies from profiting off regulated public services.

Politically, the department is staying quiet. Reuters reports that officials have declined to comment on the memo, merely stating that visa operations remain “dynamic” and subject to ongoing review.

Beyond legal and political hurdles, the proposal could also harm the United States’ appeal as a tourist destination. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, international visitor spending is already projected to drop by 7% this year, due to a mix of stricter immigration policies and a strong U.S. dollar. Introducing additional fees could further discourage potential travelers, driving them toward destinations perceived as more affordable and administratively accessible.

In a move strongly reminiscent of his original 2017 travel ban, President Donald Trump signed the proclamation yesterday, barring certain foreign nationals from entering the United States in order to “protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats.”

This policy, set to take effect on June 9, 2025, targets 12 countries whose citizens will be completely barred from entering the United States under any visa category, whether for tourism, business, immigration, or education. An additional seven countries will face partial restrictions.

12 countries facing a complete entry ban

Under the presidential proclamation, citizens from 12 countries are prohibited from entering the U.S. altogether. The ban applies to nearly all visa types, including tourist, business, student, and immigrant visas. Exceptions are extremely limited, applying only to diplomatic or urgent humanitarian cases.

Countries subject to a full ban:

• Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Key restrictions:

• General ban on entry with very limited exceptions for diplomats or humanitarian cases.
• Suspension of all non-immigrant and immigrant visa issuance to citizens of these countries.
• Denial of entry even for those who already hold a valid visa issued prior to the order (cases may be reviewed individually).

7 Countries Facing Partial Entry Restrictions

Seven other countries will face more targeted restrictions based on visa categories. These often include a ban on diversity lottery visas, more extensive vetting, or suspension of specific categories like student or temporary work visas.

Countries with partial restrictions:

• Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

Key restrictions:

• Suspension or limitation of specific visa categories (e.g., diversity, student, work).
• Increased security screening for visa applicants.
• Intensive administrative review and significant processing delays.
• Potential entry denial, even with a valid visa, if security concerns are identified.

“We don’t want them”

In his announcement, President Trump directly linked the new entry restrictions to a recent attack in Boulder, Colorado.

On June 1, 2025, an Egyptian national, living illegally in the United States, was arrested after throwing an incendiary device into a crowd, injuring several people. While Egypt is not among the countries targeted by this new policy, Trump cited the incident as a clear example of the flaws in the current immigration system.

The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas. We don’t want them.

Donald Trump – June 4, 2025

Targeted restrictions against Harvard University

Alongside the travel restrictions, Donald Trump also issued a separate decree specifically targeting Harvard University.

In a proclamation dated June 4, 2025, President Trump temporarily suspended the admission of new international students to Harvard, citing the need to “enhancing national security by addressing risks at Harvard University.”

The university is accused of failing to cooperate with federal authorities, particularly by withholding information about foreign students involved in suspicious activities.

This measure halts the entry of all new international students to Harvard for an initial period of six months, with the option to extend or broaden the restriction.

In a related move, the Trump administration also threatened to revoke the federal accreditation of Columbia University in New York, accusing the institution of failing to adequately address incidents of harassment against Jewish students. Such an action would strip the university of federal funding and jeopardize students’ access to financial aid.

New ESTA requirement: mandatory “selfie”

In addition to country-specific and institutional restrictions, the Trump administration has also introduced new technical requirements for entering the U.S., including for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries.

For the past few days, travelers applying for ESTA authorization online have been required to provide a facial photo (selfie) in addition to a copy of the biographical page of their passport. This requirement, already in force on the mobile application, is gradually being rolled out to the web version of the ESTA form.

The selfie is used for automated facial recognition, comparing the uploaded photo to the passport to verify the identity of visa-exempt travelers.