Chad entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Chad in 2026. You must apply for an e-visa online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options at N'Djamena International Airport. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to a week.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou must obtain this visa online before you travel; there is no visa-on-arrival option for Ethiopian citizens. Required for Ethiopian citizens | Apply for an e-visa before travel. The e-visa is mandatory for Ethiopian passport holders entering Chad. The application is submitted online, and approval is typically processed within a few business days. Ensure you receive the approved e-visa before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip; it needs to be valid for half a year beyond your arrival. At least 6 months | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Chad. Check your passport's expiry date well in advance. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesChad immigration will stamp your passport on arrival, so you need a blank page for that stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure you have a clean, unused page available. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's wise to have a ticket showing you plan to leave Chad, as border officers sometimes ask for it. May be requested | Although not explicitly required, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed copy of your flight itinerary or booking confirmation. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHaving a bank statement or card helps show you can support yourself during your visit. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Chad. Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card that can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't have to fill out any special arrival forms before you land. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Chad. You do not need to complete any online health or customs declaration before arrival. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — apply early
There is no visa-on-arrival option at N'Djamena Airport. You must have an approved e-visa before you travel. Apply at least two weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you risk being denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to e-visa.td, fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on visa type) with a credit card. Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your visa approval
You'll get an email with your approved visa as a PDF. Print two copies — one to hand to immigration, one as backup. Also save a copy on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land at N'Djamena International Airport, have your passport, printed visa, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking easily accessible. Immigration officers will check these at the counter.
4
Go through immigration at N'Djamena
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Hand over your passport, printed visa, and boarding pass. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp and can proceed to baggage claim.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter and company registration documents.
Multiple entry visa (business)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$250 (approx.)
For frequent travelers; apply at Chadian embassy or via e-visa portal.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Temporaire)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Chad. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD + investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Chad (e.g., $50,000). Requires business plan and registration. Offers residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa (single entry, tourist)Fee varies by nationality; check official e-visa portal. | $100 (approx.) |
| E-visa (single entry, business)Requires invitation letter from Chadian company. | $150 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the National Police immigration office in N'Djamena. | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Usually included in airline ticket; confirm at departure. | $30 (approx.) |
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Chad require a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty may be exempt.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Health & vaccines for Chad
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission; Ethiopia is considered a risk country.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Chad, especially in southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during floods. Ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Chad, especially in southern regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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
Bureau de l'Immigration de Moundou
Rue Principale, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for southern Chad. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for ET 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
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 facility for Ethiopian passport holders. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight.
Typically 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. The official portal is e-visa.td.
Fees vary by visa type. A single-entry tourist visa is around $100–$150. Payment is by credit card on the e-visa website.
Your application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Chad.
Yes, it's mandatory. You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, contact the Chadian immigration office in N'Djamena before your visa runs out.
Always carry your passport and a copy of your visa. Police checkpoints are common, and you may be asked for ID. Keep your hotel address handy in French or Arabic.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.