A proposed policy from the US State Department includes Libya on a red list of 11 countries whose citizens could be barred from entering the US.
The list, revealed by The New York Times, was drafted under the Trump administration as part of efforts to tighten travel restrictions on certain nations.
According to the report, the proposed ban targets Libya, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, and Afghanistan.
If implemented, it could severely limit the ability of Libyan citizens to travel, study, or work in the US, affecting students, business professionals, and families with ties to the country.
Libya has faced strict US visa restrictions for years, particularly after the 2011 uprising and ongoing security concerns. Previous travel bans under the Trump administration cited Libya’s political instability and the presence of armed groups as reasons for restricting Libyan access to US visas.
If approved, this ban could strain Libya-US diplomatic relations, making it harder for Libya to rebuild international partnerships while navigating post-conflict recovery and economic reforms.
Critics argue that such restrictions often unfairly impact ordinary citizens rather than addressing actual security threats.
As discussions continue over the proposed policy, many Libyans remain uncertain about their ability to travel, raising concerns over the long-term impact on education, healthcare, and business opportunities for Libyan nationals seeking access to the US.