Chad entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Swiss passport holders need an e-visa to enter Chad. You can apply online before you travel, and the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
E-visa for ChadYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the e-visa approved before you fly.
Apply online before travel
Swiss citizens must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Chad. Apply through the official Chadian e-visa portal at least several days before departure. The e-visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable.Required
Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry.
At least 6 months remaining
Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Chad. Check the expiry date well before booking.Required
Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visas or markings occupy the page where the stamp will be placed.Required
Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary printed or on your phone.
Proof of departure
You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket leaving Chad. This is typically checked at check-in and may be requested by immigration.Required
Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems if requested.
Sufficient for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Chad, such as recent bank statements or a credit card. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout this certificate, you may be refused entry or forced to vaccinate on arrival.
Required for entry
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Chad. Carry the original certificate with you; it may be checked at the border.Required
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing.
Not required
No arrival declaration or health form is required for Chad based on current regulations.Not required
E-visa is mandatory — no exceptions
Do not attempt to fly to Chad without an approved e-visa. You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the airport. Apply well in advance.
Yellow fever certificate is checked
Immigration officers in Chad routinely ask for the yellow fever vaccination certificate. If you don't have it, you may be subject to on-the-spot vaccination or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Chadian e-visa website, fill in your personal and passport details, upload your photo and travel documents, and pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on duration). Processing typically takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll get a PDF e-visa. Print it out — you'll need a physical copy to show at check-in and at immigration in N'Djamena.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
At the airport, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Expect a short queue; have your documents ready.
4
Register with local authorities (if staying long-term)
If you plan to stay more than 30 days, you must register with the National Police in N'Djamena within 72 hours of arrival. This is not required for short visits.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa (e-Visa)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150

Requires invitation letter and company registration documents.

Long-stay visa (multiple entry)
Max stay180 days
Validity1 year
Cost$250

Issued by Chadian embassy; requires police clearance and proof of funds.

work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. CHF 180) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. CHF 90) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a Chadian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. CHF 450) plus investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 in a Chadian business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for Swiss citizens; payable online before travel.$100
e-Visa (single entry, business)Requires invitation letter from Chadian company.$150
Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at N'Djamena International Airport; cash in USD or XAF.$100
Visa extension (per month)Apply at the National Police immigration office in N'Djamena.$50
Exit feePaid at airport departure; included in some airline tickets.$30

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Chad

Transit visa required

Swiss citizens transiting through Chad require a transit visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders
  • Crew members on duty
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)

Health & vaccines for Chad

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Chad; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

N'Djamena
Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale et de l'Immigration
Avenue Charles de Gaulle, N'Djamena
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Moundou
Immigration Office Moundou
Rue du Commerce, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Regional office for southern Chad. Limited services; call ahead.

Practical information for CH travellers

Country basics
CapitalN'Djamena
LanguageFrench, Arabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyCentral African CFA franc (XAF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 574.19 XAF
updated Jul 3
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,E,FTypes C, D, E, and F; Type C is most common.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police17
Medical18
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you need an e-visa. There is no visa-on-arrival for Swiss passport holders. Apply online before you fly.
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. The fee is around $100–$150, depending on the visa duration.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a new visa from abroad.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Check the exact duration on your approval notice.
Yes, it's mandatory for all travelers over 1 year old. You must carry the international vaccination certificate and show it at immigration.
You'll be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There is no visa-on-arrival facility at N'Djamena airport for Swiss citizens.
Only if you stay more than 30 days. You must register with the National Police in N'Djamena within 72 hours of arrival. For short visits, no registration is needed.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.