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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – June 15, 2025

Ethiopia has been named among 36 countries facing potential travel restrictions to the United States, according to a classified memo from the U.S. State Department leaked to The Washington Post. The document, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signals a new chapter in U.S. immigration enforcement and could have significant diplomatic and economic consequences for Ethiopia.

The memo outlines a 60-day ultimatum for the listed countries—including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Egypt, Djibouti, and 21 other African nations—to address concerns related to immigration compliance and document reliability or risk full or partial travel bans.

According to the U.S. State Department, the potential ban stems from issues such as high rates of visa overstays by nationals, widespread document fraud, and the inability of some governments to produce reliable identity verification. Ethiopia was not singled out in the document, but its inclusion on the list suggests that U.S. authorities have raised concerns over similar issues.

The document also mentions additional concerns regarding countries that sell citizenship without requiring residency and those whose nationals are accused of engaging in antisemitic or anti-American behavior within the United States. The memo suggests that countries demonstrating willingness to accept deported third-country nationals or entering into “safe third country” agreements could avoid sanctions.

If enacted, the policy would expand a previous U.S. travel restriction issued on June 4, which targeted countries like Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan. That order led to complete bans on some nations and partial entry restrictions on others, raising concerns among human rights groups and African governments about disproportionate targeting of the Global South.

The prospect of a travel ban has already sparked concern among Ethiopian students, families with relatives in the U.S., and the country’s sizable diaspora. The United States remains one of the most popular destinations for Ethiopian migrants, professionals, and students. In 2023 alone, over 12,000 Ethiopian nationals were granted non-immigrant visas to the U.S., with many pursuing higher education, work opportunities, or family reunification.

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued an official response, but diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa said the government is preparing to engage U.S. officials to clarify the country’s stance and compliance efforts.

In Washington, critics have accused the policy of being politically motivated and racially biased. “This is a targeted crackdown on African and Caribbean nations under the guise of security and immigration enforcement,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

With the 60-day clock now ticking, Ethiopian officials are under pressure to demonstrate cooperation or risk further isolation from one of their key global partners.

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