Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced on Thursday that his government is suspending the issuance of visas to U.S. citizens, in direct response to the Biden administration’s recent travel ban affecting Chadian nationals and citizens of other countries.
“I have instructed the government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity,” Déby said in a post on X. “Chad has neither planes to offer, nor billions of dollars to give—but Chad has its dignity and pride.”
The U.S. ban, issued by President Donald Trump, restricts entry from 12 countries—including Chad, Afghanistan, and Congo—citing national security concerns and alleged deficiencies in security screening procedures. The restrictions are set to take effect on June 9.
A White House statement described the targeted nations as posing “a very high risk to the United States” due to inadequate vetting systems.
Chad’s retaliatory move underscores growing diplomatic friction and highlights the challenges of balancing national security with international cooperation. Both nations now face strained relations as policies affect the mobility of their citizens and diplomatic engagement.
Déby’s firm stance has been widely interpreted as a defense of national sovereignty and dignity in the face of increasing global travel restrictions.