Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/J. David Ake
Topics: Donald Trump, Travel
Joe Yates
President Donald Trump’s latest expansion of the US travel ban has triggered a diplomatic domino effect, with several countries now retaliating by restricting or completely banning American travellers.
Earlier this month, the 79-year-old confirmed that full or partial travel bans would be imposed on nationals from 39 countries, with the measures due to take effect tomorrow, on New Year's Day.
The White House defended the move by saying: "It is the president’s duty to take action to ensure that those seeking to enter our country will not harm the American people."
While the restrictions target foreign nationals entering the US, some countries have responded by invoking what they describe as the 'principle of reciprocity' - meaning Americans are now facing barriers of their own.
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So, if you're a backpacker hoping to take a tour of Africa, you might want to steer clear of four countries - three in West Africa and the remaining in Central Africa.
Mali was one of the first nations to hit back after being placed on the US 'full' travel ban list. The Malian government announced it would impose the same entry conditions on US citizens as those applied to Malians traveling to America.
In a statement shared by The Guardian, the country’s foreign ministry said: "In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation informs the national and international community that, with immediate effect, the Government of the Republic of Mali will apply the same conditions and requirements to US nationals as those imposed on Malian citizens."
This effectively means tighter visa rules and reduced access for Americans hoping to visit the West African nation.
Niger has taken the strongest stance so far, reportedly banning Americans from stepping foot into the landlocked West African country.
“Niger is completely and permanently prohibiting the issuance of visas to all US citizens and indefinitely banning entry to its territory for nationals of the United States,” a 'diplomatic source' told the African Press Agency.
Niger, which has a population of more than 28 million, was recently added to the US 'complete' travel ban list and is already classified by the US State Department as a 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' destination.
Burkina Faso quickly followed Mali’s lead, as Foreign Affairs Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré confirmed the country would also restrict entry for Americans - citing the same reasoning.
According to BBC News, Traoré said the government was acting on the 'principle of reciprocity'.
Chad’s restrictions date back to June, when it suspended visas for Americans after being named in an earlier round of US travel bans.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno made his feelings clear at the time, saying: "Chad has neither planes to offer nor billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride."
With Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad all restricting US citizens, travel across parts of West and Central Africa may be increasingly difficult. However, it's still possible to travel through West Africa via its coastal countries.
As the bans come into force in 2026, Americans may find that Trump’s immigration crackdown is limiting not just who can enter the US, but also where its citizens can travel abroad.