BREAKING: Chad suspends US visas with immediate effect amid travel ban

Chad has officially suspended the issuance of visas to United States citizens in direct retaliation for the recent American travel ban.

President Idriss Deby made the announcement via a strongly worded post on Facebook on Thursday, June 5, 2025, describing the move as a matter of sovereignty and dignity.

He explained that the decision followed the inclusion of Chadian nationals in a US travel ban that affects citizens from 12 countries.

The United States did not give a clear justification for adding Chad to the list, but the action has sparked outrage within the country.

President Deby said his government would respond firmly and fairly to what it considers an act of discrimination.

“I have instructed the government to act with reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to US citizens,” he declared.

The visa suspension takes immediate effect, affecting tourists, business travellers, and official delegations from the United States.

Chad’s response is being viewed as one of the most forceful retaliatory actions by any African government in recent years.

The US policy, part of a wider travel ban, has been criticized by several African nations for targeting majority-Muslim and developing countries.

Deby, in his statement, pointed out that Chad may not possess material wealth, but it holds its national pride dear.

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

His statement referred indirectly to Qatar’s alleged $400 million aircraft gift to former US President Donald Trump.

The President’s tone was unapologetically defiant, reinforcing Chad’s right to demand equal treatment in global diplomatic affairs.

The Chadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has started informing embassies and consular posts to immediately stop processing US visa applications.

Officials confirmed that the measure is indefinite and will remain in place until the US revises its policy.

Legal analysts say Chad is well within its sovereign rights to apply reciprocal restrictions under international law.

Civil society groups in Chad and across Africa have praised the move as long overdue and empowering.

Pan-African activists argue that Western countries often impose one-sided restrictions without considering their diplomatic consequences.

They say Chad’s action sends a message that African nations will no longer tolerate disrespect in bilateral relations.

So far, the United States government has not issued a formal response to the Chadian action.

Analysts warn that this diplomatic fallout could affect military, humanitarian, and trade relations between both nations.

However, many African commentators say it is time for the continent to move from dependence to dignity.

Chad’s message is clear: Africa may be economically vulnerable, but it will not surrender its self-respect.

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