Chad entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for NZ citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take a few weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Chad eVisa at e-visa.td. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at N'Djamena will check it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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 exit | Immigration at N'Djamena airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they rarely accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed 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 | Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (about $330 USD) in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see it if you look like you are traveling on a tight budget. | Recommended |
Security situation
Chad has a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Check the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advisory before booking. Register with SafeTravel.
Yellow fever vaccination required
All travellers need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow card with you.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to https://e-visa.td/ and complete the application form. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing typically takes 5-15 business days.
2
Receive and print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF visa approval letter by email. Print a copy and keep it with your passport — you'll need to show it at immigration on arrival.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
Most flights arrive at N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ). After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, visa approval letter, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
4
Go through immigration
Present your documents to the immigration officer. They will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. The process is usually straightforward but can be slow — expect a queue.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash or restricted items. Once through, you're free to enter Chad.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days (extendable up to 90 days)
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Apply at Chadian embassy; requires passport, photos, itinerary, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry (extendable)
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD
Ideal for multiple visits; same application requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days (extendable)
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD
For longer stays; requires additional documentation like work or study proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; check with Chadian embassy in Wellington or nearest consulate. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)May allow multiple entries; validity and cost subject to embassy discretion. | ~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying your visa. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Transit visa required
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Chad generally require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. Check with the airline and embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Chad may transit without additional transit visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may have exemptions.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Health & vaccines for Chad
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout Chad, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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, Chad
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Moundou
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue du Commerce, Moundou, Chad
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for immigration matters; limited services compared to N'Djamena.
Practical information for NZ 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 NZ passport holders. You must obtain an e-visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5 to 15 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies depending on visa type and duration. Expect to pay around USD 100–150 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official e-visa site for current prices.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. It's also recommended for all visitors. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires or apply for a different visa type before travel if you need a longer stay.
Your e-visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport before applying. Immigration at the border may also deny entry.
Chad has security risks, including terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.