Summary:

On 14 March 2025, the New York Times reported that the Trump Administration is considering a new travel ban for citizens of up to 43 countries, with those countries divided into three categories of travel restrictions. 

This plan includes a complete suspension of visas for citizens of 11 countries, including Libya, after classifying them on the “red list” of nations facing “serious security vulnerabilities.”  

According to the same sources, the ban aims to enhance US national security by pressuring these countries to improve security cooperation with Washington, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing and border control. 

This comes after the executive order issued by President Trump on January 20 called for stricter security vetting of foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States to identify potential national security threats. 

However, the plan requires approval from senior administration officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, before it can be officially implemented.  

The policy is similar to those put in place during President Trump’s first term when travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries were banned from traveling to the US. The policy underwent multiple revisions before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.  

Outlook: 

While the Trump Administration considers this decision as a measure to safeguard U.S national security, it could have serious consequences for Libya.  

The travel ban is likely to strain U.S.-Libya relations and hinder bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic and military affairs. This could include, for example, recent discussions about new oil exploration with the American energy multinational ConocoPhillips. On the military front, the ban may also impact U.S engagement in Libya’s 5+5 Committee, which is set to meet this month. 

 This ban could also discourage foreign investment in Libya, disrupt trade and deepen the country’s isolation from global financial networks. The situation is exacerbated by USAID’s recent withdrawal from all current projects in Libya, cutting off crucial support for economic stability and development initiatives. 

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