'It's scary': Travelers caught off guard as travel ban rules come into effect

USA Today

5 hours ago

'It's scary': Travelers caught off guard as travel ban rules come into effect
Show Caption
Hide Caption
What we know now about President Trump's new travel ban taking effect
How could President Trump's travel ban or restriction of nearly 20 countries impact you? Here is what we know now.
New travel restrictions from the Trump administration took effect Monday, impacting nearly 20 countries.
The restrictions add limitations on visas and entry, causing anxiety for travelers at U.S. airports.
Many travelers were unaware of the policy shift.
NEW YORK — A new round of travel restrictions from the Trump administration quietly took effect Monday, catching many travelers off guard and sparking fresh anxiety for immigrants and visitors at U.S. airports.
At New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, passengers arriving at Terminal 4 and their loved ones waiting to greet them seemed unaware of the policy shift.
About a dozen people in the terminal's arrivals area told USA TODAY they were unfamiliar with the updated travel ban, which adds new limitations on visas and entry from almost 20 countries, part of the administration's continued efforts to tighten U.S. borders.
The updated restrictions primarily target nationals from a select list of countries, but critics say the move sends a chilling message to immigrants and foreign visitors more broadly.
'It's scary. It makes me worried. It affects my decisions to go home to visit my family,' said Randy Wicaksana, 33, who has lived in the U.S. for about three years.
Wicaksana, an Indonesian national, said he is preparing to return home later this month to renew his visa but is increasingly uncertain about what might await him when he comes to the U.S. again.
There were no visible signs or announcements in the terminal to alert travelers to the new rules. The administration said the changes are meant to "combat terrorism" and "strengthen our borders."
For travelers like Wicaksana, however, the law feels increasingly unpredictable.
Which nationals are barred from entering the US?
The full travel ban applies to nationals of the following 12 countries:
Afghanistan
Burma (Myanmar)
Chad
Republic of the Congo
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Haiti
Iran
Libya
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen
Additionally, partial restrictions are imposed on nationals from:
Burundi
Cuba
Laos
Sierra Leone
Togo
Turkmenistan
Venezuela
What happens to travelers from these countries when they arrive at an airport?
Travelers from the fully banned countries who attempt to enter the U.S. after the ban takes effect will likely be denied boarding by airlines or turned away upon arrival in the U.S. Those from partially restricted countries may face additional scrutiny, delays, or denial of entry, depending on their visa type and purpose of travel.
What will happen to those with tickets already?
Individuals from the affected countries who have already purchased tickets to travel to the U.S. should consult with their airlines and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. While some exceptions exist, most travelers from the fully banned countries are expected to be denied entry. Those from partially restricted countries may still be allowed to travel, subject to additional screening and requirements.
Travelers are advised to review the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of State and consult with immigration attorneys if they have concerns about their eligibility to enter the U.S. under the new proclamation.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at [e-mail].