Chad entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 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
US passport holders need an e-visa to enter Chad in 2026. You can apply online before you travel, and you'll need to present the approved e-visa at the airport in N'Djamena. Plan ahead, as the process takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for ChadYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the e-visa approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | US citizens must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Chadian e-visa portal, providing passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Processing typically takes a few business days; print the approved e-visa to present upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied entry. At least 6 months remaining | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Chad (i.e., valid until at least February 6, 2027 if entering on August 6, 2026). | Required |
| Blank passport pagesChad immigration needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa/stamp page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or marked. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Chad before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Chad. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids delays. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, credit card) to cover your stay in Chad. Amounts are not fixed but should match your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateEven if not required for entry, carry proof to avoid issues at land borders. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Since the US is not a risk country, this may not be required, but it is strongly recommended for travel to Chad. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any pre-arrival health or customs form. Not required | Chad does not require an online arrival declaration for US citizens. No separate form is needed beyond standard immigration forms. | Not required |
No visa-on-arrival — don't chance it
US citizens cannot get a visa at the airport in Chad. If you arrive without an approved e-visa, you'll be denied entry and sent back. Apply online well in advance.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Chad requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travelers. Carry the physical certificate (not just a photo) — immigration will ask for it.
Security situation
Chad has areas with high security risk, especially near borders. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Stay informed and avoid non-essential travel to high-risk regions.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Chadian e-visa portal (evisa.td) and fill out the application. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around $100–$150) with a credit card. Processing takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Check your email for the approval. Print the e-visa document (or save it offline on your phone). Keep it with your passport — you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa Control'. Present your passport, e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will stamp your passport. Expect a short wait — the process can be slow, especially if multiple flights arrive at once.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then exit through customs. There's no arrival declaration form required, so you can head straight out.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$200
Requires invitation letter from a Chadian company and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Multiple entry visa (1 year)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$500
For frequent travelers; requires proof of prior visits or business ties.
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 |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Required for US citizens; apply online before travel. | $100 |
| Visa extension (up to 90 days)Apply at the National Police immigration office in N'Djamena. | $150 |
| Exit feePaid in cash (XAF) at the airport upon departure. | $20 |
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 (e.g., at N'Djamena International Airport) must obtain a transit visa in advance. Airside transit is not permitted without a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members with valid airline ID may transit without a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
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 = 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
Yes, US citizens need an e-visa before traveling to Chad. There is no visa-on-arrival for US passport holders. Apply online at the official Chadian e-visa portal.
Processing typically takes 2–5 business days. It's best to apply at least a week before your flight to account for any delays.
The fee is around $100–$150, depending on the type of visa (single entry vs. multiple entry). Payment is made online with a credit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to exit and re-enter or contact the immigration office in N'Djamena for guidance.
You'll be denied entry and likely put on the next flight out. There's no way to get a visa at the airport. Don't risk it — get the e-visa in advance.
Yes, it's a legal requirement for entry into Chad. Immigration officers may ask for the certificate. If you don't have it, you could be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (if available).
The local currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). US dollars are not widely accepted outside major hotels. Exchange money at the airport or a bank in N'Djamena.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.