Including Syria: U.S. Bans Entry of Nationals from Five Countries

ARK News.. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a ban on the entry of nationals from five countries into the United States, including Syria, citing national security concerns.

According to a statement published by the White House on its official website on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, the proclamation imposes restrictions on nationals of additional countries that have demonstrated serious deficiencies in screening and information-sharing, posing risks to U.S. national security and public safety. The restrictions apply to citizens of Syria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and South Sudan.

The proclamation justified the inclusion of Syria by stating that the country is emerging from a prolonged period of civil unrest and internal conflict and, while making efforts to address its security challenges in close coordination with the United States, still lacks an effective central authority capable of issuing reliable passports and civil documentation. It further noted that Syria does not have adequate screening and vetting procedures in place.

The U.S. president’s decision exempts lawful permanent residents, current visa holders, and certain visa categories, including athletes, diplomats, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests.

In June, President Trump had issued an earlier decision imposing full entry restriction on nationals of 12 “high-risk” countries, including several Arab and Muslim states. Syria was excluded from that list, despite having been included in a previous travel ban issued in 2017.

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