Chad entry requirements for New Zealand 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

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

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Chad eVisa
Apply online at the official Chad eVisa portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for single entry and covers stays up to 90 days. Processing takes 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Chad. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss or confiscation.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of exit
Immigration officers at N'Djamena International Airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket. Have a confirmed flight out of Chad before you arrive.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Chad. Officers may ask for it during the visa application or at the border.Recommended
Proof of funds
Bank statement or cash
Have a recent bank statement showing at least $500 USD or the equivalent in CFA francs. Cash in euros or dollars is widely accepted for exchange at the airport.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 June 28, 2026
Download PDF

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

Apply at Chadian embassy or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD

Requires sponsorship or work permit; for extended stays.

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
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a standard single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival.~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days.~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; pay at immigration office.~$5 USD per day (max $100 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

New Zealand 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 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 = 565.17 XAF
updated Jun 4
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 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 June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.