Two countries slap US tourists with retaliatory ban in jab at Trump | World | News
Two countries have issued retaliatory travel bans for US tourists after President Donald Trump placed them and others under full-entry restrictions to America. Mali and Burkina Faso are among the numerous nations around the world now subject to restrictions on entering the US as part of an effort to tighten standards for travel and immigration.
The West African nations have issued separate statements in response to the bans in a tit-for-tat act, with Burkina Faso’s foreign affairs minister citing the “principle of reciprocity”. Mali’s foreign ministry also criticised the US’s move, questioning why “such an important decision was made without any prior consultation” and calling for “mutual respect and sovereign equality”, according to the BBC.
The action from the two countries follows reports from Niger’s state news agency that it had also imposed a travel ban on US citizens, although the ministry has not confirmed it through an official statement.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are all ruled by military governments backed by Russian mercenaries and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in 2023.
The AES acts as a mutual defence and economic bloc primarily promoting regional integration and countering jihadist threats.
The White House slapped full-entry travel restrictions on the three countries, alongside Syria, South Sudan and Palestinian Authority passport holders last month, with the changes coming into effect on January 1.
A spokesperson said the bans would remain in place until the countries in question demonstrate “credible improvements” in information-sharing, co-operation with US immigration authorities and identity management.
The bans do not impact lawful permanent US residents, some existing visa holders, diplomants, athletes travelling for sporting events and cases judged to be in the national interest.
The US was also reported to be considering introducing rigorous social media screening for international visitors, including mandatory submission of digital activity dating back five years.
