N’Djamena (Kaab TV) — Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby has announced the immediate suspension of all visas for U.S. citizens, citing the principle of reciprocity after President Donald Trump reinstated a controversial travel ban affecting 19 countries, including Chad.
“I have instructed the government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and suspend the granting of visas to U.S. citizens,” President Déby said in a statement on Thursday.
He added, “Chad has neither planes to offer nor billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride.”
The decision comes just hours after Trump unveiled a sweeping travel ban—reviving a hallmark policy from his first term.
The ban, set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, bars citizens from 12 countries and imposes strict travel restrictions on visitors from seven others.
The 12 countries facing an outright ban include: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Visitors from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will be subject to enhanced screening and visa limitations.
The African Union (AU) has issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the potential humanitarian and diplomatic consequences of the new U.S. policy.