A pair of African nations are no longer allowing U.S. citizens to enter their countries as retaliation for similar restrictions placed on their citizens attempting to enter the U.S. According to Al Jazeera, the nations of Mali and Burkina Faso each announced a “travel ban” for Americans and are canceling visas for Americans in the respective countries.
“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,” the Malian ministry said in a statement.
A similar statement was issued by leaders in Burkina Faso.
Late last year, President Donald Trump added both nations to the U.S. restricted entry list which took effect on Jan. 1, 2026. The ban fully restricts entry to the U.S. for most citizens coming from nations on the list. The U.S. ban makes some exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders or special cases involving athletes or diplomats.
So far, 39 countries from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America have been placed on the U.S. travel ban list.
2026 travel restrictions: Mali and Burkina Faso ban Americans in response
