Mali and Burkina Faso have announced restrictions on the entry of United States nationals, in a reciprocal response to Washington’s recent decision to place both West African countries on a travel restriction list.

The foreign ministries of Mali and Burkina Faso, in separate statements issued on Wednesday, said the measures were in reaction to the expansion of a U.S. travel ban by President Donald Trump, which targets nationals of nearly 40 countries based on nationality.

According to the statements, both governments described their actions as “equivalent measures” aimed at ensuring reciprocity in diplomatic and immigration relations between the affected countries and the United States.

Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country would henceforth apply “equivalent visa measures” to U.S. citizens seeking entry into its territory.

Similarly, Mali’s foreign ministry announced that, with immediate effect, it would impose “the same conditions and requirements on American nationals that the American authorities have imposed on Malian citizens entering the United States.”

The Malian authorities also expressed regret over the U.S. decision, noting that such a significant policy shift was taken “without the slightest prior consultation” with the affected countries.

The recent U.S. travel restrictions, announced on Dec. 17, were justified by the White House on security grounds, with U.S. officials stating that the ban targets foreigners who “intend to threaten” American citizens.

The list of affected countries reportedly includes Syria, holders of Palestinian Authority passports, and nationals of several African countries, among them Niger, Sierra Leone and South Sudan.

Mali and Burkina Faso, both governed by military juntas, are members of a Sahel confederation that also includes Niger.

Although Niger has not officially announced counter-measures, the country’s state news agency, citing a diplomatic source, reported last week that similar retaliatory steps had been agreed upon.

In addition to Mali and Burkina Faso, the U.S. travel restrictions also include partial limitations on citizens of other African countries, such as Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.

The restrictions come ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, raising concerns about potential implications for international travel and diplomatic relations.