Visa War Erupts: Chad Hits Back at U.S., Bans Americans From Entry

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby has announced a suspension of visa issuance to U.S. citizens, retaliating against a travel ban imposed by the United States that targets multiple countries, primarily in Africa.

The decision, revealed on Thursday via Deby’s official Facebook page, directly counters a travel restriction order from former U.S. President Donald Trump, which had listed Chad among 12 affected nations.

In his statement, President Deby declared:

“I have instructed the government to apply the principle of reciprocity by halting the issuance of visas to American citizens. Chad may not have planes or billions to offer, but we have our dignity and pride.”

Of the 12 countries included in the U.S. travel ban, seven are African—Chad, Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, Sudan, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea—making the continent the most affected. The list also includes Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Yemen, and Haiti.

In addition, visa restrictions were enforced on citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela over immigration-related concerns.

The African Union (AU) has criticized the U.S. policy, warning of its potential harm to diplomatic and economic ties. The AU urged the United States to engage in more inclusive and respectful dialogue with the affected nations.