Chad entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
British passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival at N'Djamena International Airport. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to two weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Chad eVisa at e-visa.td before you fly. Processing takes 2–3 business days — do not wait until the last minute. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Chad. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policy — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Chad routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready when you land at N'Djamena. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in Chad can speed up the immigration process. Keep a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — ATMs are scarce outside N'Djamena. A bank statement or credit card showing available funds helps if asked. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') when you arrive. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Cash is king in Chad
ATMs are rare outside N'Djamena, and cards are not widely accepted. Bring enough CFA francs (XAF) for your trip. You can exchange GBP or USD at banks and bureaux de change in the capital.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to https://e-visa.td/, fill in the application, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on processing time). Wait for approval — typically 5–10 working days, sometimes up to 2 weeks.
2
Pack your documents
Print your visa approval email, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Save digital copies on your phone as backup. Keep them in your hand luggage.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, head to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, visa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 5–10 minutes. No biometrics or extra forms needed.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash (over 1 million XAF, about £1,300) or expensive electronics. Otherwise, walk straight through.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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
Cost~$100 USD (approx. £80)
Apply at Chadian embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. £120)
For frequent travellers; same extension process.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. £160)
Requires strong justification; apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. £240)
For those with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. £160)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Chad. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. £400)
For significant investors in Chad. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Offers long-term stay and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; apply in advance. | ~$100 USD (approx. £80) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity up to 3 months. | ~$150 USD (approx. £120) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at N'Djamena airport for some nationalities; check eligibility. | ~$100 USD (approx. £80) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (approx. £8) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Transit visa required
UK passport holders transiting through Chad generally need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- If you have a visa for Chad, transit visa is not needed.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Health & vaccines for Chad
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission; certificate may be requested at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Chad; prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. 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 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.
Practical information for GB 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 = 558.8 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 British passport holders. You must apply and receive approval through the official e-visa portal before you travel.
Typically 5–10 working days, but can take up to 2 weeks. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. Rush processing is sometimes available for an extra fee.
Around $100–$150 depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is made online by credit or debit card.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Chadian immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes, it is mandatory. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to many parts of Chad due to terrorism and crime. N'Djamena is safer but still has risks. Check the latest travel advice before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.