US imposes travel ban on Bhutan due to visa violations

The US government has implemented a new travel ban affecting 43 countries, including Bhutan. This decision comes as part of stricter immigration policies set by the Trump administration during its second term. Countries on the Red List face the most severe restrictions, meaning their citizens cannot enter the US at all. The Red List includes nations facing instability or conflict, such as Afghanistan, North Korea, and Syria. Bhutan's inclusion has surprised many, as it is known for being a peaceful and happy country. However, the US has cited concerns over a significant number of Bhutanese nationals violating visa rules by overstaying their permits. Last year, 37% of visitors from Bhutan were reported to have violated these regulations. Due to these issues, US officials have noted "national security concerns" and "irregular migration patterns." As a result, Bhutanese citizens will now face rigorous screening when applying for US visas, with many likely to be rejected. This new policy is expected to create challenges for Bhutanese students and professionals seeking opportunities in the US. The move could also strain the diplomatic relations between the US and Bhutan, which have generally been positive. In response, Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the US to reconsider its travel ban. The US has categorized countries into three lists: the Red List, which includes complete visa bans; the Orange List, which allows limited visa approvals; and the Yellow List, which is given a deadline to improve security measures to avoid stricter restrictions.