Chad entry requirements for France passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
French passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Plan ahead, as processing can take a week or more.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Chad eVisa at e-visa.td before you fly. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not wait until the last minute. Print two copies of the approval email: one for the airline check-in desk and one for immigration at N'Djamena International Airport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Chad. Airlines at Charles de Gaulle and Orly will check this before issuing a boarding pass — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at N'Djamena will ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before stamping you in. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation ready on your phone — they rarely accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Chad. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (euros or US dollars) to cover your stay — ATMs are scarce outside N'Djamena. A bank statement showing at least €500 or equivalent is a safe buffer if asked. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the yellow card) at immigration. No card = possible denial of entry or quarantine. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Currency and cash
Chad uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring euros or US dollars in cash to exchange at banks or bureaux de change in N'Djamena.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to the official Chad e-visa portal (e-visa.td). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–7 business days. You'll receive a PDF approval — print it and keep a copy on your phone.
2
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your printed visa approval, passport, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in. The process is straightforward but can be slow — expect 15–30 minutes in line.
3
Show proof of onward travel
Immigration may ask to see your return or onward ticket. Have it open on your phone or a printed copy. No need to show accommodation unless asked.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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€80 (~$87 USD)
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Travail et Séjour Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (~$217 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$108 USD) + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a recognized institution in Chad. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | 5,000 XAF (~$8 USD) per day, max 100,000 XAF (~$165 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
France 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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Chad, especially in rural areas.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; outbreaks occur.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially outside N'Djamena. Use mosquito repellent and 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 office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Moundou
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue du Commerce, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for southern Chad.
Practical information for FR 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 = 565.17 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
Yes. French citizens must get a visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival. Apply online at e-visa.td.
Typically 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. Rush processing is not available.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. For French passport holders, expect around €70–€100 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the e-visa portal for the exact amount.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-apply. Plan your trip accordingly.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the visa. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival in Chad.
Yes. Yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over 1 year old. You must show the certificate (the yellow card) at immigration. Bring it with your passport.
Chad has security risks, especially outside N'Djamena. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Register with your embassy upon arrival. Avoid non-essential travel to border regions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.