Chad imposes reciprocal visa ban on U.S., rejecting Trump’s travel restrictions as unjust and defending national pride.

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s travel ban, describing it as unjust and discriminatory. In response, he announced that Chad would introduce reciprocal visa restrictions on American citizens—a move he described as one of reciprocity and a matter of national pride.

In a statement posted in French on his official Facebook page, President Déby stated:
“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.”
He added, “Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride.”

The suspension reflects rising frustration in the Central African nation over what it views as an arbitrary U.S. policy that unfairly targets Chadian citizens. While the practical impact on American travelers may be limited due to the relatively low volume of U.S. visitors to Chad, the symbolic significance of the move is considerable. It asserts national sovereignty and demands mutual respect in diplomatic relations.

The recent U.S. travel ban targets citizens from 12 countries, including seven African nations: Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia. Additionally, partial restrictions have been placed on citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. These restrictions mainly affect specific visa categories, particularly those related to temporary employment.

Chad’s swift and decisive reaction stands out as one of the most direct responses from the African continent. The move signals not just dissatisfaction, but also a readiness to challenge what is perceived as unequal treatment. It may also strain Chad-U.S. relations, especially in the area of regional counterterrorism efforts, where Chad remains a strategic partner.

While analysts point out that the suspension is unlikely to significantly disrupt travel, the diplomatic message it sends is unmistakable. The African Union has issued a formal statement rejecting the U.S. decision and calling for dialogue. With Chad taking the lead in pushing back, attention is now focused on whether other affected countries will follow suit—a development that would affirm the African Union’s warning of potential diplomatic fallout from Washington’s unilateral approach.