Chad Imposes Visa Ban on U.S. Citizens in Retaliation Over American Travel Restrictions

President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad has announced a visa ban on U.S. citizens, following Washington’s recent suspension of visa issuance to Chadian nationals.

The Chadian leader made the declaration on Thursday, June 5, through a post on his official Facebook page, directing his government to enforce the new restriction based on the principle of reciprocity.

“I instructed the government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to citizens of the United States of America,” President Itno stated.

“Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride.”

U.S. Visa Policy Sparks Diplomatic Fallout

The U.S. visa ban—initially introduced during the Trump administration under national security grounds—has been criticized for its perceived discrimination against African and Muslim-majority countries. The ban currently affects 12 nations, including Chad, Afghanistan, Congo, Yemen, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Somalia, Libya, and Equatorial Guinea.

Additionally, citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela face stricter visa restrictions. Although there are provisions for case-by-case waivers at the discretion of the U.S. Secretary of State, many human rights advocates argue that the policy undermines diplomatic goodwill.

African Union Reacts

The African Union (AU) has expressed concern over the broader implications of the U.S. travel ban, cautioning that it could strain diplomatic relations and weaken regional cooperation.

In a statement, the AU urged the U.S. to adopt a more consultative and inclusive approach when crafting policies that affect sovereign nations, especially those in Africa.

President Itno’s firm stance underscores a growing trend among African leaders pushing back against perceived injustices on the global diplomatic stage.