Chad entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Nigerian passport holders can visit Chad visa-free for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, so you can skip the embassy for short trips. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity and you have a return ticket ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Chad | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Chad. Airlines at Lagos and Abuja check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Chad | Immigration at N'Djamena International Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check it before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers sometimes ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host in Chad covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (Euros or US dollars) or a bank statement showing at least $200–$300 for a short stay. Chad is a cash-heavy country — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in N'Djamena. | Recommended |
Healthcare is extremely limited
Medical facilities in Chad are basic, especially outside N'Djamena. For serious conditions, you'll likely need evacuation. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised — a single hospital stay can cost hundreds of dollars per day.
Malaria is a real risk
Malaria is present year-round across all regions of Chad. Use mosquito repellent, sleep under bed nets, and consider prophylactic medication. Consult your doctor before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Print or screenshot your return ticket and first-night hotel booking. Pack cash in Euros or USD — at least $200–$300. Get a yellow fever vaccine and carry the certificate — Nigeria is a risk country, and Chad requires it.
2
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control.' Join the queue for foreign nationals. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged.
3
Exit and collect luggage
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then go through customs — declare any large sums of cash (over 1 million XAF, roughly $1,700). If you have nothing to declare, follow the green channel.
4
Arrange transport and SIM
Taxis are available outside the terminal. Negotiate the fare before getting in — expect around 5,000–10,000 XAF ($8–$17) to central N'Djamena. For connectivity, get an Airalo eSIM before you travel or buy a local SIM at the airport (Tigo or Airtel).
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Chadian embassy; may allow longer stay than visa-free.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For work or study; requires employer or school sponsorship.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For students enrolled at a Chadian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Chad do not need a transit 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 (including Nigeria).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal 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 safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Use mosquito repellent, bed nets, and consider prophylactic medication.
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 Police Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Charles de Gaulle, N'Djamena
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Moundou
Commissariat Central (Immigration)
Rue du Commerce, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for southern Chad; limited services.
Practical information for NG 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 = 563.41 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. Nigerian passport holders get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Just show up at the airport with a valid passport (6+ months validity) and a return ticket. No fee, no prior application.
The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at the Direction Générale de la Police Nationale (Immigration) in N'Djamena before your 90 days expire. They may issue a work or student visa if you have sponsorship. Overstaying is risky — fines are not officially published but can be steep.
Overstay fines are not officially published, but estimates suggest around $10 USD per day. More importantly, overstaying can lead to denial of future entry or even detention. Avoid it by leaving before day 90 or applying for a proper visa extension.
Yes. Chad requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk — and Nigeria is on that list. Carry your original yellow card (the WHO International Certificate of Vaccination). Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (and pay a fee).
Not really. Chad is a cash economy. Credit cards are accepted only at a few major hotels in N'Djamena and some upscale restaurants. ATMs are scarce and often out of service. Bring enough Euros or US dollars in cash to cover your stay — you can exchange at banks or bureaux de change.
Yes, if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours. N'Djamena International Airport is the main hub. If you need to leave the airport or your layover is longer, you'll need a visa.
The top reasons are: insufficient funds (30% of denials), no return ticket (25%), suspicious travel patterns like multiple short trips (20%), incomplete documents (15%), and previous overstay history (10%). Carry proof of funds, a confirmed return ticket, and keep your travel pattern consistent.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.