
US travel ban on Libyans and citizens of 11 other countries takes effect
The executive order signed by US President Donald Trump officially came into effect on Monday morning, barring nationals from 12 countries—including Libya—from entering the United States.
Last Wednesday, the White House announced in a statement that President Trump had signed an executive order restricting the entry of nationals from the following 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The White House justified the decision by saying the U.S. administration had conducted a thorough risk assessment of these countries, particularly regarding terrorism and national security. The statement explained that the listed countries fail to meet the necessary security requirements and pose a significant threat to the United States.
In Libya's case specifically, the White House said the complete suspension of travel by Libyan nationals was due to the absence of a central, competent, and cooperative authority responsible for issuing passports and civil documents. It added: 'A history of terrorist activity within Libyan territory increases the risk of admitting its nationals into the US.'
Despite the ban, the statement noted exceptions for individuals holding valid permanent residency or visas, specific visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests.
As for implementation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a diplomatic cable providing instructions to American diplomatic missions on how consular officers should handle visa applications from nationals of the banned countries. Tags: USA Travel Ban US President Donald Trump

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Libya Observer
10 hours ago
- Libya Observer
US travel ban on Libyans and citizens of 11 other countries takes effect
The executive order signed by US President Donald Trump officially came into effect on Monday morning, barring nationals from 12 countries—including Libya—from entering the United States. Last Wednesday, the White House announced in a statement that President Trump had signed an executive order restricting the entry of nationals from the following 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The White House justified the decision by saying the U.S. administration had conducted a thorough risk assessment of these countries, particularly regarding terrorism and national security. The statement explained that the listed countries fail to meet the necessary security requirements and pose a significant threat to the United States. In Libya's case specifically, the White House said the complete suspension of travel by Libyan nationals was due to the absence of a central, competent, and cooperative authority responsible for issuing passports and civil documents. It added: 'A history of terrorist activity within Libyan territory increases the risk of admitting its nationals into the US.' Despite the ban, the statement noted exceptions for individuals holding valid permanent residency or visas, specific visa categories, and individuals whose entry serves US national interests. As for implementation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a diplomatic cable providing instructions to American diplomatic missions on how consular officers should handle visa applications from nationals of the banned countries. Tags: USA Travel Ban US President Donald Trump


Libya Observer
18 hours ago
- Libya Observer
Egypt and Turkey foreign ministers discuss Libya situation
In a separate development, the Egyptian and Turkish foreign ministers have held talks regarding the political situation in Libya. Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, by phone on Sunday, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conversation comes amid renewed tensions and developments in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. The ministry said the call was part of 'regular communication to support bilateral relations and exchange views on regional issues.' During the conversation, Minister Abdel Aty reaffirmed Egypt's support for Libya's territorial integrity and political sovereignty. He underscored the need for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held simultaneously 'as soon as possible,' and stressed that Libya's political process should remain under the sole ownership of the Libyan people. Tags: Egypt Turkey


Libya Observer
18 hours ago
- Libya Observer
Convoy to Gaza departs Tunisia in bid to break blockade
A humanitarian convoy aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza has begun its journey from several Tunisian cities, organisers say. The initiative, launched on Monday, is expected to travel across Libya and Egypt before reaching the Rafah border crossing into the Gaza Strip. Organised by the Joint Coordination for Palestine, the convoy includes representatives from civil society groups, trade unions, political parties, medical associations, and youth organisations. Its route will take it from Tunis, Sousse, Sfax and Gabès to the southern city of Ben Gardane, near the Libyan border. The convoy will then proceed along the Libyan coastline before heading to Cairo and onwards to Rafah on the Egyptian-Palestinian border. Organisers say the mission is intended to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to deliver humanitarian aid. The effort has received backing from major Tunisian institutions, including the Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), the National Union of Tunisian Journalists, the Tunisian Bar Association, the Tunisian Human Rights League, the Doctors' Union, and the Young Doctors' Organisation. Initially scheduled to depart on 14 June, the launch was moved forward to 9 June to align with the arrival of international delegations in the region. Separately, a coalition of more than 32 international unions and rights organisations recently announced a 'Global March to Gaza' to highlight what it called the dire humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians. The marchers plan to enter Gaza on foot.