Chad entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa 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 a visa to enter Chad. Apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Swiss citizens. Processing can take up to two weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Chad. Apply at the official Chad eVisa portal at least 2 weeks before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for up to 90 days from issue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Swiss passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your planned departure date from Chad. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers in N'Djamena ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Chad. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour or work sponsor. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or bank statement | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least 200,000 CFA francs (~€300) per person for your stay. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply early
Swiss citizens must have a visa before arriving in Chad. There is no visa on arrival. Apply at least two weeks ahead to avoid delays.
Yellow fever vaccination required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to the official Chad e-Visa portal (e-visa.td). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on processing speed). Processing takes 3–14 days. You'll receive the visa by email as a PDF.
2
Print the visa and pack supporting documents
Print the e-Visa approval email. Also print or save to your phone: your return ticket, hotel booking, and insurance certificate. Keep them together in a folder.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
At immigration, present your passport, printed e-Visa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward but can be slow — expect 15–30 minutes.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. CHF 90)
Apply at Chadian embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. CHF 135)
Suitable for frequent travellers. Must have valid reason for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (approx. CHF 180)
For work, study, or family reasons. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$100 USD (approx. CHF 90) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (approx. CHF 135) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; no maximum cap known. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. CHF 9) |
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
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Chad do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 = 563.11 XAF
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
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for Swiss passport holders. You must apply for an e-Visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3–7 days, but can take up to 14 days during busy periods. Apply at least two weeks before your trip.
The standard e-Visa fee is around $100–$150. The exact amount depends on the processing speed you choose. Payment is online by credit card.
The e-Visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged with immigration in N'Djamena before your visa expires.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. You'll need to show it at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your documents are incomplete or your passport has less than 6 months validity. You can reapply with corrected documents. Contact the Chad embassy in Bern for help.
Yes, but you must apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in N'Djamena before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.