The US State Department has officially refuted recent reports suggesting the existence of a draft list proposing travel bans on citizens from 41 countries. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified during a press briefing that “there is no list,” addressing concerns sparked by circulating rumors.

Background on the Alleged Draft List

Speculations arose following reports of a draft list categorizing 41 countries into three groups, each potentially facing varying levels of US visa restrictions:

  1. Full Visa Suspension: Countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea were purportedly listed for complete visa bans.
  2. Partial Visa Suspension: Nations including Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan were allegedly set to face partial suspensions affecting tourist, student, and certain immigrant visas.
  3. Conditional Measures: A group of 26 countries, among them Pakistan, Belarus, and Turkmenistan, were reportedly given a 60-day period to address unspecified “deficiencies” to avoid partial visa suspensions.

These reports drew attention due to their potential impact on international travel and diplomatic relations.

State Department’s Clarification

Addressing these reports, Spokesperson Bruce emphasized that the circulating draft does not represent an active or official list within the State Department. She acknowledged that, following an executive order by President Donald Trump, there is an ongoing review aimed at enhancing national security concerning visa issuance. However, she reiterated that the rumored list is not part of this process, stating, “What has been touted as something that is an item through the State Department just simply isn’t the case.”

International Reactions and Concerns

The emergence of the alleged draft list prompted reactions from several nations. Leaders from the Caribbean, for instance, sought clarification from the US after reports suggested that over 40 countries, including their own, could face extensive travel restrictions. Countries like Antigua and Barbuda expressed deep concern and formally requested clarity regarding their inclusion on the purported list.

Current Status and Outlook

As it stands, the US State Department maintains that no such travel ban list exists. The department continues to conduct reviews to bolster national security measures related to visa policies but has not implemented any new travel bans affecting the countries mentioned in the speculative reports. Travelers and international partners are advised to rely on official communications from the State Department for accurate information regarding US visa and travel policies.