AGP Executive Report

US Travel Safety: The U.S. State Department has put 23 countries on its highest “Level 4: Do Not Travel” list, warning Americans to avoid travel due to extreme security threats and limited consular help—among them Chad and 10 other African countries. US Immigration Politics: Rep. Nancy Mace has introduced the “Third World Immigration Moratorium Act,” aiming to permanently bar entry from dozens of countries, including Chad, while Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador pushes back. Chad Visa Policy: In a major regional move, President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced Chad will abolish entry visas for all Africans from Jan. 1, 2027, joining other African states easing travel barriers. Chad-Russia Links: Russia’s Lavrov says visa-free travel will apply for holders of Chadian diplomatic and service passports, as bilateral ties deepen. Regional Travel Context: Multiple countries in Africa continue updating visa-free and eVisa rules, shaping cross-border tourism planning across the Sahel and beyond.

US Travel Alerts: The U.S. State Department has put 23 countries on its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list, including Chad and 10 other African nations, warning of severe security risks and limited ability to help Americans abroad. US Visa Curbs: A new U.S. proclamation effective Jan. 1, 2026 suspends new visas (full or partial) for dozens of countries, with Chad included. Chad Visa-Free Push: Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced that entry visas will be abolished for all Africans starting Jan. 1, 2027, making Chad the eighth African country to move to visa-free access for African passport holders. Regional Mobility: Cameroon and Mali both reiterated visa-free entry lists for eligible African travelers, while Mauritania expanded an online visa application pathway for visitors. Russia-Chad Links: Russia and Chad signed a visa-free deal for holders of diplomatic and service passports, aiming to deepen trade and investment ties. Tourism Safety Watch: With Uganda newly added to the U.S. Level 4 list, travel planning across the region is getting tighter.

Chad Visa-Free Push: Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced that entry visas will be abolished for all Africans starting 1 January 2027, positioning the country as a gateway across West, East, North and Central Africa. Russia–Chad Travel Link: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia and Chad are strengthening ties, including a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Regional Visa Updates: Mauritania opened an online visa application pathway and confirmed 11 African countries can enter visa-free; Cameroon reaffirmed visa-free entry for citizens of Nigeria, Chad, the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic. U.S. Travel Warnings: The U.S. expanded its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, listing Chad among 10 African countries under the highest-risk warning. World Cup Tourism Map: In Philadelphia, Lion Sports Bar says its World Cup map has drawn visitors from 165 countries and 48 U.S. states, including stickers from Chad. Scholarships for Chadians: Russia increased scholarships for Chadian students to 360.

Chad Visa-Free Push: Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced that Chad will abolish entry visas for all African nationals starting Jan. 1, 2027, positioning the country as a gateway linking regions and joining Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia, Seychelles, Ghana, Kenya and the Republic of the Congo in the visa-free trend. Diplomatic Travel Step: Russia and Chad also moved closer on travel access, with Russia’s foreign minister pointing to a visa-free agreement for holders of Chadian diplomatic and service passports. Regional Travel Caution (US): The U.S. upgraded Uganda to Level 4 “Do Not Travel”, bringing the total African countries on the list to 10, including Chad—a reminder that security advisories can quickly affect tourism plans. Online Visa Options: Mauritania opened an online visa application pathway while confirming 11 African countries can enter without a visa under mutual agreements. Tourism Paperwork Elsewhere: Mozambique published its 2026 eVisa eligibility list for African travelers, including Chad, and notes longer stays may require eVisa regularisation.

Visa-Free Push for Africans: Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced that Chad will abolish entry visas for all African nationals starting 1 January 2027, aiming to boost African integration and free movement of people and goods. U.S. Travel Alerts: The U.S. State Department kept Chad on its highest Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list, alongside other high-risk African destinations, citing dangerous conditions and limited consular help. Diplomatic Travel Update: Russia and Chad are set to sign a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, a step meant to strengthen official contacts. Tourism Access Elsewhere: Mozambique expanded its 2026 eVisa eligibility list for African travelers, while Ethiopia continues to offer tourist visas on arrival for approved nationalities that include Chad. Environment & Travel Context: A new study links the drying of the Lake Chad region to major CO₂ emissions, underscoring how climate and land-use shifts can reshape travel and livelihoods.

Visa-Free Push: Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby announced that Chad will abolish entry visas for all African nationals starting 1 January 2027, aiming to boost African integration and free movement of people and goods. Diplomatic Travel Deal: Russia’s Lavrov says Chad will sign a visa-free agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports on 14 July, as both sides also discuss trade and investment cooperation. Tourism Caution (US): The U.S. keeps Chad on its Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list, citing dangerous conditions and limited consular help—an important heads-up for travelers planning routes via the region. Regional Travel Context: Mozambique published its 2026 eVisa eligibility list, which includes Chad, while Bahrain, Denmark, and Ethiopia also released updated visa/entry rules for African travelers. Security & Movement: Multiple reports across the Lake Chad/Borno region highlight ongoing counter-terror operations and arrests, underscoring why travel planning still needs extra care. STEM Spotlight: The Schlumberger Foundation named winners for its 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize, adding a positive note for science and education travel links.

US Travel Advisories: The U.S. State Department expanded its “Do Not Travel” Level 4 list, now flagging Chad and other African destinations over security risks and limited consular help. Visa Rules Roundup: Bahrain opened an online visa-eligibility list for many African countries including Chad, while Denmark published a full visa-required list (including Chad) and Barbados confirmed visa-free entry for citizens of all 54 African countries. Chad–Russia Diplomacy: Russia and Chad are set to sign a visa-free deal for holders of diplomatic and service passports, aiming to boost official travel and ties. Tourism & Entry Access: Ethiopia also updated its tourist visa-on-arrival list, including Chad, for eligible visitors. Travel Safety Context: A WMO report highlights that dust storms remain a major regional issue, with the Bodele Depression in Chad identified as a top global dust source. Security & Borders: Amnesty International criticized U.S. moves against the ICC, noting the ICC’s deputy prosecutor was in Chad meeting Darfur victims.

US Travel Warnings: The US State Department issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” list of 23 countries, including Chad, citing severe security risks and limited US help capacity. Visa Moves for Travelers: Bahrain says citizens of Chad can apply for an online visa; Denmark published its full visa-required list (including Chad); and Barbados offers visa-free entry to citizens of all 54 African countries, including Chad. Chad–Russia Diplomacy: Russia and Chad are set to sign a visa-free deal for holders of diplomatic and service passports, aiming to boost regular contacts. Lake Chad Security: Nigerian troops intercepted a Chadian woman allegedly transporting drugs and “Suck and Die” chemicals to Lake Chad-area terrorists, highlighting ongoing cross-border counter-terror efforts. Tourism & Nature Hook: French birders say they photographed the “rusty lark” in Chad’s wetlands—an exciting conservation story for travelers who love wildlife. Roads & Travel Reality: A Borno commentary flags how poor highways still limit trade and movement—relevant for anyone planning safer routes around the Lake Chad region.

Military Welfare & Security: Nigeria Integrity Watch praised COAS Lt-Gen Waidi Shaibu’s “Soldier-First” reforms, including a ₦100,000 baseline salary adjustment and expanded post-retirement housing, saying it’s lifting morale and improving counter-terror operations. Diplomatic Travel: Russia and Chad are set to sign a visa-free deal for holders of diplomatic and service passports, aiming to boost bilateral contacts. Visa Rules for Travelers: The UAE published an updated list of 107 visa-required countries that includes Chad, while Ethiopia expanded tourist visa-on-arrival eligibility to include Chad. Chad-Linked Security on Lake Chad: Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, seizing cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, alcohol, cash and ATM cards allegedly bound for Lake Chad Island terrorists. Regional Security Forum: ASEC 2026 wrapped in Accra with renewed calls for action on African-led security cooperation, spanning cyber, borders, aviation and climate-driven threats. Travel Environment Watch: A UN/WMO report says the Bodele Depression in Chad remains the world’s top dust hotspot, with sand and dust storms affecting health, transport and aviation. Wildlife & Conservation: French and Chadian birders say they rediscovered the rusty lark in Chad’s wetlands, hoping the find helps unlock conservation funding. Roads & Tourism Access: A Borno editorial argues improved highways are key to reviving trade and travel after Boko Haram pressure eased.

Visa & travel access: Russia and Chad are set to sign a visa-free deal for holders of diplomatic and service passports on 14 July, with Lavrov saying it will boost regular contacts. Border rules for visitors: The UK updated its visitor visa national list (from 1 July 2026), keeping Chad among African countries that need a visa in advance for short stays. Tourism & entry simplification: Ethiopia published an updated list of over 50 countries eligible for tourist visas on arrival, including Chad, aiming to make travel easier for approved visitors. Security affecting travel routes: Nigerian troops in Borno intercepted a Chadian woman allegedly smuggling drugs and “Suck and Die” chemicals toward Lake Chad islands, underscoring ongoing risks around the Maiduguri–Monguno corridor. Environment for travelers: A UN/WMO bulletin says the highest dust concentrations remain in Chad’s Bodele Depression, with sand and dust storms disrupting health and transport across regions.

Lake Chad Security: Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai intercepted a suspected Chadian drug courier on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, seizing cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, alcohol and cash, with the haul allegedly destined for terrorists operating across the Lake Chad islands. Roads & Access: A Borno editorial argues that even when relative calm returns, trade and travel stay stuck without reliable highways—highlighting the risks on key routes and the need to fix corridors like the Gamboru road. Energy for Travel & Daily Life: A new 50MW solar plant in/near N’Djamena, Noor Chad, is reported to have powered hundreds of thousands of homes fast, cutting reliance on diesel and keeping lights on at night. Dust & Health: The UN’s WMO warns that sand and dust storms are worsening globally, with Chad’s Bodélé Depression again flagged as the top dust source region—relevant for visibility and travel planning across the Sahel. UK Entry Rules: The UK updated its visitor visa list, again placing Chad among African countries requiring visas for short stays under six months. Visa & Mobility Watch: Separate reporting notes how stricter entry rules and escort-style tourism models are reshaping travel choices worldwide.

Roads & Trade: A fresh focus on the Dikwa–Gamboru road in Borno highlights how safer highways can revive travel, commerce, and cross-border movement after years of disruption. Security & Lake Chad Travel Safety: Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Rachael Samuel, on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis, seizing cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, alcohol, cash, and ATM cards allegedly bound for terrorists in the Lake Chad islands—another reminder that routes around the basin need extra caution. Health & Visitor Risk: A cholera outbreak in jihadist-hit northeast Nigeria is spreading across Lake Chad communities, with reports of high daily patient loads and deaths—bad news for anyone planning travel through the region. Climate & Visibility: The UN’s WMO says the Bodele Depression in Chad remains the world’s top dust hotspot, with sand and dust storms linked to health impacts and transport disruption. Energy & Power for Travelers: Noor Chad, a 50MW solar plant near N’Djamena, is powering about 250,000 homes and keeping lights on—good infrastructure momentum for tourism and daily movement. UK Entry Rules: The UK updated its visitor visa list, adding Chad among African countries requiring visas for stays under six months, affecting travel planning for Chadians and regional visitors.

Security & Borders in the Lake Chad region: Chadian authorities say troops of Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai arrested 48-year-old Chadian woman Rachael Samuel, accused of supplying illicit drugs, alcohol and other prohibited items to Boko Haram/ISWAP-linked terrorists, after a stop along the Maiduguri–Monguno axis toward Kwatan Doron Baga; seized items reportedly included cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, gin and herbal alcohol, plus cash and ATM cards. Public Health in the Sahel: AFP reports a cholera outbreak in jihadist-hit northeast Nigeria has killed dozens, with cases rising around Lake Chad communities like Doro, Bunduram, Baga and Monguno as insecurity and weak health infrastructure hamper response. Travel Policy Watch: The UK reaffirmed that Nigerians and nationals of 100+ countries must get visas before visiting for under six months, tightening entry planning for travelers. Visa-on-arrival update: Namibia released a new list of 121 countries eligible for visa-on-arrival; Nigeria is excluded, meaning Nigerians need a visa in advance. Environment & Travel Risk: The UN’s WMO warns that sand and dust storms—driven by drought and land degradation—are worsening health and disrupting transport, with Chad’s Bodele Depression flagged as a top dust source.

Visa Rules Watch: The UK has reaffirmed that Nigerians and nationals of 100+ countries must get visas before visiting for under six months, tightening entry clearance under updated Immigration Rules. Border & Travel Security: Nigerian troops on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis intercepted a Chadian woman, Rachael Samuel (48), allegedly smuggling cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, gin and herbal alcohol—reportedly destined for terrorists in the Lake Chad Islands. Public Health in the Lake Chad Region: A cholera outbreak in jihadist-hit northeast Nigeria has killed dozens, with insecurity and weak health services hampering response as cases surge around Lake Chad communities. Environment for Travelers: The UN warns that sand and dust storms are worsening globally; the Bodele Depression in Chad remains the world’s top dust hotspot, affecting air quality, health, farming, and transport. Diplomacy & Mediation: Qatar’s foreign minister says mediation is rooted in constitutional duty—keeping dialogue open even during deep disagreements. Travel Planning Note: Namibia’s visa-on-arrival list includes Chad, while many other countries are excluded, meaning travelers should double-check entry requirements before booking.

Border Security & Lake Chad: Nigerian troops on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Mrs. Rachael Samuel, allegedly smuggling cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, dry gin, herbal alcohol, plus cash and ATM cards, said to be destined for terrorists operating in the Lake Chad Islands. Public Health & Travel Safety: A cholera outbreak in jihadist-hit northeast Nigeria has killed dozens, with cases spiking across Lake Chad communities including Doro, Bunduram, Baga, Kross Kauwa and Monguno, where clinics report heavy daily patient loads and high mortality—another reminder that travel in the region needs extra health precautions. Climate & Air Travel Disruption: The UN’s weather agency says sand and dust storms hit hard in 2025, with the Bodele Depression in Chad again listed among the world’s top dust sources, affecting air quality, health, transport and aviation. Visa Rules for Travelers: The UK reaffirmed that Nigerians and nationals of 100+ countries must get visas before short visits under updated Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor guidance. Regional Travel Access: Namibia updated its visa-on-arrival list, including Chad, while excluding Nigeria and many others.

Lake Chad Security: Nigerian troops on the Maiduguri–Monguno axis arrested a 48-year-old Chadian woman, Rachael Samuel, accused of moving drugs, alcohol and toxic chemicals to terrorist networks in the Lake Chad islands, seizing about 30kg of cannabis, “Suck and Die” chemicals, gin and herbal alcohol, plus cash and ATM cards. Counter-Infiltration: The same operation also reported thwarted ISWAP infiltration attempts around Maiduguri, with troops engaging attackers from multiple axes. Public Health in the Region: AFP reports cholera is spreading in jihadist-hit northeast Nigeria, with cases rising around Lake Chad communities and insecurity plus weak health systems driving high death rates. Travel & Environment Watch: The UN’s weather agency says the Bodele Depression in Chad remains the world’s top dust hotspot, linking sand-and-dust storms to health risks and disruptions to transport and aviation. Visa/Travel Policy: Namibia updated its visa-on-arrival list, including Chad, while excluding many other countries—important for regional travelers planning short trips.