Chad entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · 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
US passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply for an e-visa online before you travel. This requirement has been in place since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Chad eVisa | Apply for a Chad eVisa at the official portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Processing takes 2–3 business days, and you must print the approval letter to present at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Chad | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Immigration officers at N'Djamena International Airport check validity strictly — if your passport expires within 6 months of your departure date, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Airlines and immigration require a confirmed onward or return ticket before boarding. Without one, you will be refused check-in at your departure airport. The ticket must show you leave Chad within the eVisa's validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Chad. Have a printed copy of your booking confirmation ready — digital copies on your phone are accepted but a printout avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry at least $200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing access to funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means to cover your stay. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in N'Djamena. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Chad. No exceptions. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Currency and cash
Chad uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough euros or US dollars to exchange at the airport or a bank.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to the official Chad e-visa portal (e-visa.td). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print it and keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, printed visa approval, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick for tourists. Then you're free to leave.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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 date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Standard tourist visa for short visits. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Allows multiple entries for longer stays. Must apply at embassy before travel.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For work, study, or other long-term purposes. Requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Temporaire)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For students enrolled at a recognized institution in Chad. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Chad's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, typically valid for 30 days. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Ndjamena International Airport for some nationalities; check eligibility. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily, with a maximum cap. Avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | ~$5 USD per day (max ~$200 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
Transit visa required
US citizens transiting through Chad must obtain a transit visa if leaving the airport or staying overnight. Airside transit may be allowed without a visa for short connections.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Chad or a neighboring country may transit without a visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Health & vaccines for Chad
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; may be required for all travelers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Chad, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverHigh risk
Risk from contaminated food and water. Vaccination and safe eating/drinking habits advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Moundou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Moundou
Rue du Commerce, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for visa-related issues in southern Chad.
Practical information for US 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
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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official site is e-visa.td.
No. US citizens must have an approved e-visa before boarding. Airlines will check it at check-in.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. For US passport holders, expect around $100–$150. Check the e-visa portal for the exact amount.
Your e-visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply.
Yes. Chad requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. Bring your WHO yellow card.
No. The e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Airlines may also fine you for not having proper documents.
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.