A new executive order signed by President Donald Trump on 4th June 2025, will bar nationals from 12 countries from entering the United States – a move that could have significant implications for cruise travel, especially for international guests planning to embark on U.S.-based sailings.
Set to take effect on Monday 9th June, the ban will prevent people from the affected countries from entering the U.S. at all – meaning they won’t be able to visit the country for a cruise whether it departs from the US or calls at one of the ports as part of a longer itinerary.
Cruise passengers holding citizenship from any of these countries – even those already booked on upcoming sailings from popular homeports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or New York – may no longer be able to board without exception.
The decision follows the 2nd June attack in Boulder, Colorado, in which an Egyptian national allegedly targeted a group of pro-Israel demonstrators.
The affected countries are: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville (not to be confused with DR Congo), Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
“The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted.”
President Trump
In addition to the outright ban, the U.S. will “partially restrict and limit” travel from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela, raising additional uncertainty for citizens of those nations hoping to join U.S.-based cruises.
Cruise Line Impacts Possible
While the majority of cruise passengers sailing from U.S. ports are either American or Canadian, international guests make up a notable portion of certain itineraries – especially world cruises, repositioning voyages, and sailings from southern Florida that attract large global audiences.
The new travel restrictions could lead to cancelled bookings, visa denials, or last-minute guest no-shows for cruise lines.
Some cruise operators may need to adjust passenger manifests or offer rebooking options for impacted guests.
It’s not yet clear how each cruise line will handle these changes, or if they will provide refunds for guests who are denied U.S. entry under the new ban. At the time of writing, it’s too early for cruise lines to have formed an official response.
Exceptions and Ongoing Negotiations
The executive order does include exceptions for:
- U.S. lawful permanent residents
- Athletes traveling for major sports events
- Afghan nationals with Special Immigrant Visas
- Immigrant visas for persecuted religious minorities from Iran
- Dual citizens of non-banned countries
Trump also said he’s open to negotiations with affected nations, noting that countries willing to improve security procedures and share identity data may be removed from the list in the future.
Backlash and Political Response
Critics have pointed to similarities with Trump’s first-term “Muslim ban,” calling the new travel order discriminatory and damaging to U.S. global standing.
“This ban, expanded from Trump’s Muslim ban in his first term, will only further isolate us on the world stage.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal
The 2025 order comes as the U.S. gears up for a busy summer travel season, and with dozens of cruise ships homeported across American ports, the ripple effects may soon be felt not just in airports – but at cruise terminals as well.
Cruise travellers from affected nations are encouraged to check with their cruise line immediately to confirm boarding eligibility, and to review updated U.S. entry requirements before travelling.
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