Chad Suspends Visas for U.S. Citizens in Response to Trump-Era Travel Ban

Chad has announced the suspension of visa issuance to United States citizens, in a retaliatory move against a travel ban implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

President Mahamat Idriss Itno made the declaration on Thursday, June 5, via a post on Facebook, instructing his government to enforce the decision based on the principle of reciprocity.

"I have directed the government to implement reciprocal measures by suspending the issuance of visas to United States citizens." President Itno wrote. "Chad may not have planes or billions to offer, but it has its dignity and pride."

The U.S. travel ban, originally imposed by Trump citing national security concerns, targeted 12 countries — seven of them African. The list includes Chad, along with Afghanistan, Congo, Yemen, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Somalia, Libya, and Equatorial Guinea.

Additional visa restrictions were also applied to citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Although the U.S. policy allows for exemptions on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Secretary of State, critics argue the ban disproportionately affects African and Muslim-majority nations.

The African Union has expressed concern over the policy, warning that it could harm diplomatic ties and hinder regional cooperation. In a statement, the AU urged the United States to adopt a more collaborative and consultative approach with the countries involved.