The US government’s expanded travel ban took effect on January 1, 2026. Nationals from 39 countries are now fully or partially barred from getting US visas. Countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, and several African nations are on the full ban list. Others, such as Angola, Cuba, and Nigeria, face partial restrictions. The ban blocks issuance of new visas but does not affect those already in the US or with valid visas as of January 1. Exemptions include some diplomats, athletes, and dual nationals. In a tit-for-tat move, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have banned US citizens from entering their countries. Burkina Faso’s foreign minister said the move follows the "principle of reciprocity," while Mali called for "mutual respect and sovereign equality." Starting January 1, immigration-related fees for forms like the annual asylum application (now $102) and employment authorization (ranging from $280 to $560) have increased. Some fees, such as the initial asylum application fee and renewal fees for asylum applicants, remain unchanged. These changes mark a major step in the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policy, affecting a large number of travelers and applicants globally.