Chad entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to two weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Chad eVisa | Apply for a Chad eVisa at the official portal before you travel. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 90 days. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at N'Djamena will ask to see it.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Chad. Airlines at OR Tambo and Cape Town check this before boarding. Carry at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at N'Djamena International Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. Overland departures are less strict but still carry proof. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Chad. Immigration officers may ask for it during the entry interview, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (about 5,500 ZAR) in cash or a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Chad is a cash-based economy — credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in N'Djamena. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
South African passport holders must get an e-visa before travelling. There is no visa on arrival, and overstaying can lead to fines or detention.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://e-visa.td/ and fill out the application. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing typically takes 5–14 days.
2
Receive and print your visa
Once approved, you'll get a PDF by email. Print it out — you'll need a paper copy to show at immigration in N'Djamena International Airport.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, head to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Present your passport, printed visa, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost~$100 USD
Standard tourist visa; apply at Chad embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
For multiple visits; requires justification.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
For work or study; requires sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Visa required; apply at Chad embassy or online if eVisa available. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; check with embassy. | ~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties apply; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (max cap unknown) |
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 Africa passport holders transiting through Chad require a transit visa unless they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
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 = 564.8 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 South African passport holders. You must apply for an e-visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5 to 14 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. On the e-visa website (e-visa.td), you'll see the exact amount after selecting your passport type. Expect around $100–$150 USD.
No. The visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa.
Your application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
Yes. Chad requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry your yellow card — you may be asked at the border.
Chad has security risks, especially near borders and in the Lake Chad region. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Stick to N'Djamena and main roads.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.