Chad entry requirements for New Zealand 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

New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Chad in 2026. You must apply online for an e-visa before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for NZ citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take a few weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
E-Visa for ChadYou must get this visa online before you fly – there is no visa on arrival for New Zealanders.
Apply before travel
New Zealand passport holders must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. The e-visa is issued for a specific purpose (e.g., tourism, business) and must be applied for online before departure. There is no visa-on-arrival option for NZ citizens.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival in Chad.
At least 6 months
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Chad.Required
Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a completely blank page in your passport for the border officer to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your onward travel booking ready in case they ask.
May be requested
Immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Although not always required, it is strongly recommended to have a confirmed booking.Recommended
Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry a recent bank statement or a credit card to show you can support yourself.
May be requested
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Chad. The amount is not officially specified, but carrying a bank statement or credit card is advisable.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form – just go through immigration as usual.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for Chad.Not required
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 2–3 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 August 5, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business e-Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$250 (approx. 150,000 XAF)

Requires invitation letter from a Chadian company.

Transit e-Visa
Max stay7 days
Validity1 month from issue
Cost$80 (approx. 48,000 XAF)

For onward travel to a third country; must show onward ticket.

work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Chadian employer. Requires work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized Chadian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Chad e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for NZ citizens; payable online.$150 (approx. 90,000 XAF)
Chad e-Visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; valid for 90 days.$250 (approx. 150,000 XAF)
Visa extension (per month)Apply at the National Police immigration office in N'Djamena.$50 (approx. 30,000 XAF)
Airport departure taxMost international flights include departure tax; confirm with airline.Included in airfare

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 citizens transiting through Chad require a transit e-visa, even if staying airside. Apply online before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
  • Crew members on duty may be exempt with airline documentation.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)

Health & vaccines for Chad

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; certificate may be checked at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Chad; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide; use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).

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.

Moundou
Immigration Office Moundou
Rue du Commerce, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Regional office for visa-related issues in southern Chad.

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 = 574.19 XAF
updated Jul 3
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
Police17
Medical18
US EmbassyFind contact

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 2 to 3 business days. Apply at least a week 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.