Chad: New U.S. Visa Restrictions Raise Concerns

Editorial : Omar Kadir, Chad

The U.S. government has imposed new visa restrictions on Chadian nationals through its embassy in N’Djamena, a measure that took effect the day before yesterday, March 25, 2025, and will remain in place for 90 days. These restrictions apply to tourist, business, and student visas, but do not affect diplomatic visas, holders of valid visas, or permanent residents in the United States. Chadian authorities have expressed their regret over the decision and affirmed their commitment to engaging in dialogue with Washington to understand its motives and seek its removal.

Although no official justification has been provided by the U.S., Chadian nationals can still apply for visas through other U.S. embassies abroad. This move recalls the 2017 travel ban imposed by Donald Trump’s administration, which included Chad among the countries whose citizens were barred from entering the United States due to security concerns. That decision was later reversed in 2018 after diplomatic negotiations. With the latest restrictions in place, concerns are growing about their impact, particularly on students and businesspeople, as questions arise over Washington’s broader visa policies toward African nations.