The Trump administration is drafting a new travel ban targeting over 40 countries, placing them into three tiers based on security concerns. Cambodia is on the “yellow list”, where it is given 60 days to address issues or face stricter restrictions. The move has raised concerns among students, activists and opposition members.
The proposed travel ban marks a significant expansion of restrictions under the Trump administration, which has long prioritized strict immigration policies in the name of national security. Similar measures in Trump’s first term faced legal challenges and global criticism. On January 20, 2025, he signed an executive order mandating a review of all visa programs to enforce uniform vetting and screening standards worldwide.
The draft policy would categorize over 40 countries into a three-tier system, with 11 nations—including Afghanistan, Iran, and North Korea—facing a complete ban on entry under the “red” level. Countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Russia fall under the “orange” category, which means stricter visa requirements but no outright ban. Various countries, including Cambodia, are placed on the “yellow” list, giving it 60 days to address US security concerns or risk harsher restrictions.
While Cambodia is not currently listed among the most restricted nations, analysts warn that failure to meet US expectations on concerns such as security, could lead to its inclusion in the stricter categories.
Asia-Pacific geopolitical analyst Seng Vanly told CamboJA News that the proposed US visa restrictions are part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigration but could also limit entry for individuals who are legal migrants. As a result, visa application policies are likely to become stricter.
He noted that the restrictions could significantly impact activists and opposition figures seeking asylum in the US. Meanwhile, Cambodian students hoping to pursue their studies in the US may also face challenges. The policy could also affect high-ranking government officials and influential figures, as many of their family members reside in the US.
“The US is an important destination for higher education, especially for children of the wealthy and influential,” Seng Vanly said.
While Cambodia is on the lowest tier of the proposed travel restriction list, he warned that failure to address US concerns could lead to stricter measures. He pointed out that cybercrime remains a major issue for the US, causing significant financial losses for American citizens.
Cambodia has become a major center for forced online scams, with trafficked victims coerced into global fraud operations. By 2023, Southeast Asia’s cybercrime syndicates were stealing nearly $64 billion annually, with Cambodia’s share exceeding $12.5 billion—half the country’s GDP—often linked to local elites.
To address these concerns, he suggested Cambodia improve its human rights and democratic conditions. However, he expressed skepticism about the government’s willingness to make meaningful changes.
“I think there may be some political compromises, particularly in areas like human trafficking, transnational crime, and online fraud,” he said.
Assuming Trump expands the scope of restrictions, Vanly believes it could severely damage US – Cambodia relations across multiple sectors.
Speaking on conditions of anonymity, a man, who was selected to study in the US, told CamboJA News that he has yet to receive any notification from the US embassy and was concerned about the news.
“I am very worried about this. I put a lot of effort into the exchange program in the US,” he said. “This suspension affects many young people who dream of studying there.”
He believes the visa restrictions may stem from ongoing issues in Cambodia, such as human rights concerns and online fraud.
“Cambodia should focus on strengthening the rule of law and promoting human rights,” he added.
Professors at Yale Law School in the United States have issued a warning to international students about a potential travel ban, urging them to consider returning to the US before any restrictions take effect.
Cambodia’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry spokesperson Chum Sounry said the government has not received any formal notification regarding the proposed travel restrictions. However, he emphasized Cambodia’s continued cooperation with the US on the repatriation of Cambodian nationals ordered for removal—an issue previously highlighted by American authorities.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Cambodian Embassy in the United States have been working closely with US officials. At present, we do not see any obstacles that would hinder this process,” he said.
Last month, Donald Trump announced the deportation of approximately 1.4 million undocumented immigrants from the United States, including nearly 2,000 Cambodians, to their home countries.
In an email to CamboJA News, the US Embassy in Phnom Penh reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to national security, confirming that a full review of visa programs is underway under Trump’s executive order.
However, Fox News reported that no final decisions have been made regarding a potential travel ban affecting more than 40 countries.
