Four African nations block US citizens in response to travel bans
Several African countries have imposed restrictions on United States citizens following visa bans introduced by the US government. Mali and Burkina Faso recently announced measures mirroring those taken by the US against their nationals. These actions bring the total number of African countries reciprocating the US travel ban to four. The decisions are framed as moves to assert national dignity and sovereignty.
What we know
- Mali and Burkina Faso have barred US citizens from entering their countries in response to US visa restrictions.
- On June 6, 2025, Chad suspended visa issuance to Americans as a reciprocal measure.
- Niger halted visa issuance and entry for US citizens on December 25, 2025.
- US Proclamation 10998 of June 4, 2025, effective from June 9, 2025, suspended entry for immigrants and non-immigrants from 12 countries, including Chad.
- On December 16, 2025, the US expanded the travel ban to 19 countries, and from January 1, 2026, eight more countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, were added.
