History of Travel Bans

1. United States

  • Global Magnitsky Act: Enacted in 2016, this legislation allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes, on foreign individuals involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption. Australian Human Rights Institute+2sanctions.io+2Human Rights First+2
  • Israeli Settlers: In 2024, the U.S. imposed sanctions and travel bans on Israeli settlers accused of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. NPR+1The Guardian+1

2. United Kingdom

  • Sanctions Regime: The UK has implemented its own version of the Magnitsky Act, enabling the government to impose travel bans and asset freezes on individuals involved in human rights violations. sanctions.io
  • Israeli Settlers: In February 2024, the UK sanctioned four Israeli settlers for human rights abuses against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Institute for National Security Studies

3. Canada

  • Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act: Canada’s Magnitsky-style legislation allows for sanctions against foreign nationals responsible for gross human rights violations. sanctions.io+3Wikipedia+3ECFR+3
  • Israeli Settlers: Canada has imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

4. Australia

  • Magnitsky-Style Sanctions: Australia enacted legislation in 2021 to impose sanctions on individuals involved in serious human rights abuses and corruption. Australian Human Rights Institute
  • Israeli Settlers: In July 2024, Australia imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on seven Israelis and a youth group for violent attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. The Guardian+1NPR+1

5. France

  • Travel Bans: In February 2024, France announced travel bans on 28 Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Reuters

6. New Zealand

  • Travel Bans: New Zealand imposed travel bans on Israeli settlers involved in violent acts against Palestinians in the West Bank. Wikipedia
  • Visa Screening: Immigration New Zealand requires Israeli visa applicants to disclose military service and involvement in human rights abuses. Wikipedia

7. European Union

  • Human Rights Sanctions Regime: Implemented in December 2020, the EU’s regime allows for asset freezes and travel bans on individuals responsible for serious human rights violations. Debevoise+1sanctions.io+1

8. Russia

  • Dima Yakovlev Law: In response to the U.S. Magnitsky Act, Russia enacted legislation banning certain U.S. citizens from entering Russia and freezing their assets. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1

9. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

  • Magnitsky Laws: These Baltic states have passed legislation denying entry to foreigners involved in human rights abuses. Wikipedia

10. Belarus

  • Sanctions by UK and Canada: In 2020, the UK and Canada imposed sanctions, including travel bans, on Belarusian officials responsible for violence against protesters following disputed elections. Axios

11. Myanmar

  • Sanctions on Military Leaders: The UK imposed sanctions, including travel bans, on top military commanders responsible for the genocide against the Rohingya Muslim population. The Guardian+1sanctions.io+1

12. North Korea

  • Sanctions on Government Entities: The UK sanctioned North Korean government entities responsible for operating prison camps, imposing travel bans and asset freezes. The Guardian

13. Saudi Arabia

  • Sanctions on Officials: The UK imposed sanctions, including travel bans, on Saudi nationals implicated in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2time.com+2

14. Israel

  • Travel Bans on Activists: Israel has imposed travel bans on individuals like Shawan Jabarin, citing alleged ties to terrorist organizations, though these bans have been criticized by human rights organizations. Wikipedia

15. Ukraine

  • Gender-Specific Travel Ban: In 2022, Ukraine banned all males aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country due to the Russian invasion. Wikipedia

16. European Union

  • Travel Bans on Russian Tourists: Several European countries banned Russians from traveling to their respective countries in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Wikipedia

17. United States (Historical Example)

  • Neutrality Acts: In the 1930s, the U.S. enacted laws banning travel to countries at war, reflecting early examples of travel restrictions during conflicts. Wikipedia

18. International Criminal Court (ICC)

  • Arrest Warrants: The ICC can issue arrest warrants for individuals accused of war crimes, leading to international travel restrictions.Wikipedia

19. United Nations

  • Security Council Sanctions: The UN can impose travel bans on individuals involved in human rights violations or threats to international peace.