The U.S. embassy in Chad has halted the issuance of most nonimmigrant visas for a period of 90 days, the U.S. State Department confirmed on Thursday. This marks the first known international travel restriction under President Donald Trump’s second term.
Chad is among over 40 countries under consideration by the Trump administration for potential inclusion in a list of nations facing travel restrictions similar to the travel bans enacted during Trump’s first term (2017-2021). However, it remains unclear whether the embassy’s decision is tied to this review process, as no formal announcements regarding travel restrictions have been made since Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
A State Department spokesperson clarified that the suspension affects nonimmigrant visa categories, including those for tourists, business travelers, and students or exchange visitors. The spokesperson did not immediately address questions regarding the specific reasons behind the suspension or whether it relates to broader travel ban plans.
Chad’s foreign ministry issued a statement confirming that the embassy had notified it of the measures and that an investigation into the cause was underway. The ministry noted that Chadian citizens can still apply for visas at U.S. embassies in other countries, and emphasized that the embassy in Chad would continue issuing visas for diplomats and U.S. residents.
Earlier this month, an internal U.S. government memo listed Chad as one of 26 nations recommended for partial visa suspensions unless it addressed certain issues related to vetting and screening procedures within 60 days. In addition, ten countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Cuba, were suggested for full visa suspensions, while five others were recommended for partial suspensions with no opportunity to resolve the identified deficiencies.
During Trump’s first term, a series of travel bans targeted more than a dozen mostly Muslim-majority countries. The policy was repeatedly challenged in court but was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018.