The Trump administration is reportedly considering a new, broader travel ban that could target citizens from up to 43 countries, including Vanuatu, the only Pacific nation on the list, according to a report by the New York Times.
This proposed ban would expand on the restrictions implemented during President Trump’s first term, raising concerns about its potential impact on global travel and international relations.
The draft proposal outlines a tiered system, categorizing countries into three lists: red, orange, and yellow. Vanuatu is included in the ‘yellow’ list, which comprises 22 countries given 60 days to address perceived deficiencies in their travel and security protocols.
Failure to comply could result in these nations being moved to the more restrictive ‘red’ or ‘orange’ lists.
The ‘red’ list, which imposes a complete travel ban, includes 11 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. The ‘orange’ list, featuring 10 countries, would enforce partial restrictions, allowing affluent business travelers but barring those on immigrant or tourist visas. Countries on this list include Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Turkmenistan.
The proposed ban has sparked international debate, with critics arguing that it could strain diplomatic relations and unfairly target developing nations.
For Vanuatu, the only Pacific country on the list, the implications could be significant, particularly for its tourism industry and citizens seeking to travel to the United States.
As the Trump administration finalizes its plans, the global community awaits further details and the potential fallout from this expansive travel restriction policy.
