Visa for the United States from Chad: 2026 entry rules

A visa would be required, but issuance is suspended. The Department of State says that since 1 January 2026, under Proclamation 10998, issuance of all immigrant and nonimmigrant visas is suspended for nationals of 19 countries, including Chad. The proclamation states that the full restriction on Chad, decided in June 2025, is continued.

The Department of State lists limited exceptions: certain diplomatic and official visas, dual nationals travelling on the passport of a country not covered, lawful permanent residents of the United States, participants in certain major sporting events and some special immigrant visas. Case-by-case waivers may be granted in the U.S. national interest, at the authorities' discretion.

According to the Department of State, affected applicants may still apply and attend their interview, but may be refused a visa under the proclamation. Visas issued before 1 January 2026 are not revoked by this proclamation. Check with the competent U.S. embassy before committing any money.

Do not buy tickets or trips to the United States without a valid visa in hand. If you hold another nationality, check whether your second passport allows you to apply. Follow official Department of State announcements: the list of countries concerned has already been changed by two successive proclamations and may change again.

Paying an intermediary who promises a U.S. visa despite the suspension: no intermediary can lift a restriction set by proclamation. Confusing the B1/B2 visa with ESTA, which is not open to Chadian nationals. Relying on information from before June 2025 describing an ordinary visa application.