Gambiaj.com – (Banjul/Dakar) – The Gambia and Senegal are among 25 African countries potentially facing new U.S. travel restrictions, as the administration of President Donald Trump weighs a dramatic expansion of its controversial immigration and border control measures.

According to a leaked U.S. State Department memo obtained by The Washington Post, the Trump administration is considering slapping visa restrictions or outright travel bans on citizens from 36 countries, including a sweeping majority in Africa. The proposed action is said to stem from concerns over visa overstay rates and national security vetting systems.

If enacted, the move would mark one of the most significant expansions of the travel ban policy introduced by Trump in 2017, a measure widely criticized for its disproportionate targeting of African and Muslim-majority countries.

The leaked memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and dated June 14, reportedly gives countries 60 days to meet stringent new security and information-sharing benchmarks or face visa restrictions. It has been sent to U.S. embassies and diplomats working with the listed countries.

Both The Gambia and Senegal, which maintain longstanding diplomatic and economic ties with the United States, now face potential disruption of visa services for students, business travelers, and members of the diaspora community.

Senegal Reacts Swiftly

In response to the leaked memo, Senegal’s Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Yassine Fall, released a detailed press statement warning its citizens of the potential consequences of irregular migration and urging strict compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

The statement outlined key measures introduced by the U.S., including entry bans for individuals with prior immigration offenses or criminal records and the establishment of a voluntary departure program accessible via a mobile application.

The ministry also emphasized the need for Senegalese travelers to validate visas before departure and observe authorized stay durations.

“Our diplomatic and consular missions remain fully engaged in raising awareness and providing assistance to Senegalese nationals in the United States,” the statement noted, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens’ interests.

Silence from Banjul

As of press time, The Gambia has not issued any official response to the developments. The country, which has a sizable diaspora population in the United States, particularly in states like New York and Georgia, could face significant challenges should the ban proceed.

Migration has been a major issue for The Gambia, where thousands have embarked on irregular journeys to Europe and the U.S. over the past decade. A potential travel ban could strain efforts by the Barrow administration to maintain ties with the U.S., which has supported numerous development and human rights initiatives in the country.

Diplomatic and Regional Implications

Observers warn that the expanded travel restrictions could have wide-ranging consequences for U.S.-Africa relations, particularly for countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia, which are seen as key security and trade partners.

“This is a deeply worrying signal,” said a senior West African diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The implications for academic exchanges, trade, and people-to-people ties are profound. It sends a message of distrust at a time when cooperation is needed most.”

The African Union is reportedly preparing a formal response, and some countries on the list have already begun requesting clarification through diplomatic channels.

As the 60-day window for compliance begins, all eyes are on how the targeted African governments—including those in Banjul and Dakar—will navigate the mounting pressure from Washington without compromising their citizens’ rights or their national dignity.