An internal State Department memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has revealed potential U.S. travel restrictions targeting 36 additional countries—including Vanuatu, Tonga, Tuvalu, several African and Caribbean nations—if they fail to meet new vetting standards within 60 days. These countries have until 8 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to present compliance plans.

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Why These Countries?

The memo cites multiple concerns:

• Incomplete or fraudulent identity documentation
• High visa-overstay rates in the U.S.
• Rapid citizenship-by-investment schemes
• Allegations of antisemitic or anti-American behaviors 

Countries can avoid bans by agreeing to accept third-country nationals deported from the U.S. or engaging in “safe third country” agreements.

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List Highlights

The expansion includes:

• Oceania: Vanuatu, Tonga, Tuvalu.
• Africa: 25 countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, South Sudan.
• Caribbean & Asia: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Syria.

This is the most sweeping escalation yet following the June 4 travel ban limiting entry from 12 countries.

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Comparison to Previous Ban

• The June 4 proclamation imposed full entry bans on 12 countries, primarily in Africa and the Middle East, and partial restrictions on 7 more.
• This new list would expand that reach, applying a warning-tier approach similar to the 2025 Executive Order 14161.

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Impact on Vanuatu

• Tourism & travel disruption: Residents may face greater difficulty in obtaining U.S. visas, with heightened screening or outright bans if compliance isn’t met.
• Diplomatic urgency: Vanuatu’s government must engage quickly to demonstrate secure ID practices and willingness to cooperate on repatriation matters.
• Economic ripple effects: Ban could affect student exchanges, remittance flows, and outbound tourism to the U.S.

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Criticism & Support

• Supporters tout national security and vetting improvements.
• Critics—especially from African, Pacific, and Caribbean diplomatic circles—denounce the move as xenophobic and discriminatory.

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What Happens Next?

1. Deadline Day: By August 13, 2025, countries must submit compliance plans.
2. Review phase: U.S. will evaluate based on documentation reliability, overstay stats, and third-country agreement willingness.
3. Implementation: Bans or tightened visa screenings could begin soon after, depending on outcomes.

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Key Takeaway for Vanuatu

This development underscores the importance for small nations to proactively engage with U.S. immigration authorities—highlighting identity-security improvements and openness to coordination on deportation and vetting issues—to protect their citizens’ access to U.S. opportunities.