Cameroon Spared as Trump Expands U.S. Travel Ban Targeting 19 Countries

YAOUNDÉ, June 5, 2025 — Cameroonians can breathe a sigh of relief — for now. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping travel ban targeting 19 countries, most of them in Africa, but Cameroon has not been included on the list.

The controversial ban, which takes effect on Monday, June 9, affects nationals from 12 countries — including Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, Iran, Libya, and Yemen — who will no longer be allowed to enter the United States under any visa category.

Seven other countries, including Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo, face partial restrictions on student, tourist, and some business visas.

Cameroon Not on the List — But for How Long?
Although Cameroon was spared in the latest round of U.S. travel restrictions, analysts warn that Yaoundé should not be complacent. With continued instability in the North-West and South-West regions, and growing international attention on human rights concerns, including recent reports by BBC and the International Criminal Court’s decision to move forward with a complaint against President Paul Biya, the country remains on the radar of international scrutiny.

Security Justification and Political Undertones
President Trump cited national security and the need for stronger vetting systems as the basis for the new restrictions. In a video posted on his Truth Social platform, he referred to a recent incident in Colorado involving an Egyptian national accused of carrying out an attack as evidence of the risks posed by lax immigration procedures.

“These are common-sense measures to keep Americans safe,” Trump said, insisting that the list could be expanded if new “threats” arise globally.

Backlash from Affected Nations and Rights Groups
The decision has sparked condemnation from several of the affected nations. Somalia expressed disappointment but said it would work with Washington to address concerns. Venezuela called the ban a “supremacist attack on the Global South.”

Human rights organizations have also blasted the move. Amnesty International described the ban as “discriminatory and cruel,” while Human Rights First warned it could tear families apart and endanger asylum seekers.

Cameroon’s Position: A Temporary Exemption?
Though not listed, Cameroon’s fragile internal situation, especially in the Anglophone regions, could lead to future inclusion. U.S. immigration authorities have in the past raised concerns about documentation fraud, government transparency, and the targeting of political opponents in Cameroon.

With elections around the corner and growing international pressure over human rights abuses, the Trump administration could very well revisit Cameroon’s status in the coming months.

What Comes Next
Cameroonian citizens with valid U.S. visas will not be affected, and current travel plans can proceed. However, immigration experts advise those planning to apply for new visas to act quickly, given the unpredictability of future U.S. policy changes under the Trump administration.

As Washington’s tone grows sharper and Trump tightens borders ahead of the U.S. elections, Cameroon and its citizens abroad remain in a precarious position — spared today, but not beyond reach.

— Cameroon Concord Newsroom, Yaoundé