Chad entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · 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
South African passport holders need an e-visa to enter Chad for tourism or business. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The e-visa is valid for a single entry, and you'll need to show it at immigration in N'Djamena.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for ChadYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once in Chad. Apply online before travel | South African passport holders must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Chadian e-visa portal, providing your passport details and travel itinerary. The e-visa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon after your trip, or you may be denied entry. At least 6 months remaining | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Chad. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready to show that you plan to leave Chad. Proof of departure | You must present a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Chad. This is commonly checked at check-in and upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry some proof of money, like a bank statement, in case officials ask. Sufficient for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Chad, such as recent bank statements or cash in a major currency (e.g., EUR, USD). The amount is not fixed but should match your planned duration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the usual immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Chad for South African passport holders. | Not required |
Print your e-visa — no exceptions
Chadian immigration requires a physical, printed copy of your e-visa. A screenshot or PDF on your phone won't work. If you arrive without it, you'll be sent back. Print it in colour and keep it with your passport.
Yellow fever — get the shot
Even though it's not strictly required from South Africa, Chadian officials frequently ask for the yellow fever certificate. The vaccine is cheap and protects you from a serious disease. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
No visa extensions
The e-visa is single-entry and non-extendable. If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential deportation. Plan your itinerary to leave before your visa expires.
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 form. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page, a passport-sized photo, and your travel itinerary. Pay the fee (around $80–$100 depending on nationality) with a credit card. Processing takes about 3–5 business days, but apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print it in colour — black-and-white copies are sometimes rejected. Keep the printed copy with your passport.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
At the airport, head to the immigration desk. Hand over your passport, printed e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will check your details, stamp your passport, and let you through. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask.
4
Complete the entry process
After immigration, you'll collect your luggage and go through customs. There's no separate visa-on-arrival process — your e-visa is already in the system. If you're travelling overland, the same rules apply at land border crossings.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150
Requires invitation letter and company registration documents.
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry within 30 days
Cost$50
For onward travel to a third country; must show confirmed ticket.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for South African passport holders; payable online. | $100 |
| e-Visa (single entry, business)Requires invitation letter from Chadian company. | $150 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at N'Djamena International Airport; cash in USD or XAF. | $100 |
| Visa extensionPer extension, up to 30 days; apply at the National Police immigration office in N'Djamena. | $50 |
| Exit feePayable in cash at airport departure; included in some airline tickets. | $20 |
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
South African passport holders transiting through Chad require a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply for an e-Visa 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 transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Chad; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions essential.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Chad, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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; bring passport, photos, and visa application.
Moundou
Immigration Office Moundou
Rue du Commerce, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office; limited services.
Practical information for ZA 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
Typically 3–5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before your trip. There's no expedited option, so don't leave it to the last minute.
No. The e-visa is the only way to get a visa for Chad. There's no visa-on-arrival facility at any entry point. You must have the e-visa approved before you travel.
The fee is around $80–$100, depending on your nationality. You pay online with a credit card when you apply. There are no additional fees at the airport.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and reapply for a new e-visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
You'll be refused entry. The immigration officers require a printed copy — a digital version on your phone is not accepted. You'll have to return to your departure point and reapply.
South Africa isn't a yellow-fever-endemic country, so technically you don't need the certificate to enter Chad. But Chadian officials often ask for it anyway, and it's a health risk in Chad. Get the vaccine and carry the certificate — it's a small hassle that avoids a big problem.
Yes, the e-visa is valid for entry at any official border crossing, not just the airport. But the same rules apply — you need the printed copy and your passport with 6 months' validity.
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.