Somalia: New US “travel ban” in effect

Event

A partial ban on nationals from Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the United States came into effect at 20:00 (local time - East Coast) on Thursday, June 29, and is set to remain in place for 120 days.

The US State Department has released information clarifying a June 26 US Supreme Court ruling allowing the partial implementation of President Donald Trump’s so-called “Muslim ban.” Under to the current version allowed by the Supreme Court, the ban does not apply to travelers with a “bona fide” connection with the US. According to the State Department, this means individuals with a close family relation living in the US - defined as a parent, spouse, child, sibling, and son/daughter-in-law, including step-siblings, step-parents, etc. - or a “formal” relationship with a US entity, such as employment at a US company or a place at a US university. Family members not considered “close” include fiancés, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews, cousins, and brothers/sisters-in-law.

Further precisions regarding the ban are expected to be decided via the courts.

Context

The original executive order issued on January 27 suspended entry to the United States for all refugees for 120 days, barring Syrian refugees indefinitely, and blocking entry into the country for 90 days for citizens of the predominantly-Muslim countries of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The legality of the measure was immediately challenged and on February 3 a judge ordered a nationwide suspension (which was later upheld) of enforcement of the order. A second attempt at a similar ban, made in March, was also blocked by the courts. 

Advice

Travelers are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to contact their nearest US embassy or consulate for further details regarding visa and entry requirements.