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Mali and Burkina Faso impose travel ban on US citizens in tit-for-tat move

December 31, 2025

Three West African nations governed by military juntas—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—have announced reciprocal travel restrictions against American citizens following the Trump administration's expanded travel ban. These countries were among several nations placed under complete entry restrictions by the United States, with the policy taking effect January 1st and citing American security concerns. The African governments justified their countermeasures by invoking principles of reciprocity, mutual respect, and sovereign equality, with Mali expressing disappointment about the lack of consultation.

Who is affected

  • US citizens seeking to enter Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger
  • Citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan, Syria, Laos, and Sierra Leone seeking to enter the United States
  • Palestinian Authority passport holders
  • Citizens of 15 other countries (including Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe) under partial US restrictions
  • Lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, diplomats, and athletes (who have exceptions)

What action is being taken

  • Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are barring US citizens from entering their countries
  • The Trump administration is imposing full entry restrictions on people from multiple countries
  • The White House is maintaining the travel ban that came into effect on January 1st

Why it matters

  • This represents a significant diplomatic rift between the United States and West African nations already experiencing strained relationships with Western powers. The reciprocal bans demonstrate how these military-led governments are willing to challenge US foreign policy directly, signaling their shift toward other international partners like Russia and their assertion of sovereignty through the principle of reciprocity in international relations.

What's next

  • The White House has stated that restrictions will remain in place until affected countries show "credible improvements" in identity management, information-sharing, and cooperation with US immigration authorities. Case-by-case waivers will be available where travel is deemed to be in the national interest.

Read full article from source: BBC

Mali and Burkina Faso impose travel ban on US citizens in tit-for-tat move