Chad entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi passport holders need a visa to enter Chad in 2026. The most straightforward option is to apply for an eVisa online before you travel — processing takes 3–5 business days, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-VisaYou must get an approved e-visa before you fly to Chad. Apply before travel | A visa is required for Saudi Arabian citizens. An e-visa must be obtained prior to arrival. The application is submitted online, and the visa is issued electronically. The cost and processing time are set by the Chadian authorities and are not specified in the database. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival. 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 pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return/onward ticketHave a booked flight out of Chad ready in case they ask. May be requested | While not explicitly required in the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBe ready to show you can pay for your expenses while in Chad. May be requested | While not explicitly required in the database, you may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay. It is advisable to carry cash (XAF) or a bank card. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Chad. | Not required |
Transit visa required even for airside connections
If you're changing planes in Chad (even staying airside), you need a transit visa. Apply at the Chadian embassy before travel. There are no exceptions.
Cash is king in Chad
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in N'Djamena. Bring enough CFA francs (XAF) in cash for your stay. ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Exchange money at the airport or banks.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to e-visa.td and fill out the application. You'll need a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a digital passport photo. Pay the fee online (around $100 USD for single entry). You'll receive the visa by email in 3–5 business days. Print it out — you'll need a paper copy to show at immigration.
2
Prepare your documents for departure
Before you head to the airport in Saudi Arabia, double-check: your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, you have a printed copy of your eVisa, and you have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Also have your hotel booking and proof of funds ready, just in case.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. You'll queue at the 'Foreign Passports' counter. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions — purpose of visit, where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and you're in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. There's usually one carousel. Then proceed to customs — they rarely check bags, but don't bring prohibited items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel drivers wait.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Chadian company; apply at embassy
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$250 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter and proof of business; apply at embassy
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus employer sponsorship)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For students enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Chad. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, tourist)Processing 3–5 business days; paid online | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at N'Djamena airport; cash in CFA or USD | $100 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at Immigration Office in N'Djamena | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Included in airline ticket for most carriers; verify at check-in | $30 (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Saudi passport holders transiting through Chad require a visa, even for airside transit. Obtain an eVisa 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 if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; may be required for all travelers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as 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 (Immigration)
Avenue Charles de Gaulle, N'Djamena
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Moundou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Moundou
Rue Principale, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for immigration services.
Practical information for SA 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
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 Saudi passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel. Apply at e-visa.td at least 5 business days before your flight.
The single-entry tourist eVisa costs around $100 USD. The exact amount depends on the embassy or online portal. Multiple-entry visas cost around $150 USD.
The standard tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at the immigration office in N'Djamena. The extension costs about $10 USD per day overstay if you go beyond your allowed stay.
You'll be fined about $10 USD per day overstayed. Pay at the immigration office before you leave. Overstaying can also cause problems for future visa applications, so it's best to extend or leave on time.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, and may be required for all travelers depending on current regulations. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever are strongly recommended. Malaria is high risk nationwide — take prophylaxis like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
Chad has security risks, especially in border regions and the Lake Chad area. Stick to N'Djamena and major towns. Avoid travel after dark. Register with your embassy on arrival. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised — local healthcare is basic.
Yes. You can extend your tourist visa once for an additional 30 days at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in N'Djamena. Bring your passport, visa, a passport photo, and the fee (around $30 USD). For longer stays, you'll need a work or student visa.
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.