Chad entry requirements for Zambia 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
Zambian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Chad for tourism or business. Apply online before you travel and carry the approved e-visa to show at N'Djamena International Airport. Processing takes a few business days, so submit your application well in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chad e-VisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly — you cannot get it at the border. Apply before travel | Zambian passport holders must obtain an e-Visa for Chad prior to arrival. Apply online through the official Chadian e-Visa portal, upload required documents (passport bio page, passport photo, travel itinerary), and pay the fee. The e-Visa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon — it needs to be valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months remaining | Your Zambia passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Chad. Check the expiry date well before applying for the e-Visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or marked. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow that you plan to leave Chad — a ticket out is usually checked. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward flight out of Chad. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to have some money available and proof of it, in case officials ask. Sufficient for stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (cash in XAF, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Chad. Amounts are not fixed but should match your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateYou must show proof you've been vaccinated against yellow fever — it's a legal entry requirement. International certificate | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Chad. Ensure you have the official International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Chad beyond the standard immigration forms given on arrival. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't chance it
Zambian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Chad. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Airlines check this before you fly, so if you don't have it, you won't even get on the plane.
Yellow fever certificate is non-negotiable
Chad requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers. Without the certificate, you'll be turned away at the border. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the official certificate.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online e-visa application
Go to the official Chadian e-visa portal and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Check your email for the approval notification. If approved, you'll receive a PDF e-visa — print it out and keep it with your passport.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
When you land, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and yellow fever certificate. The officer will check your details and stamp your passport. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa
Max stay30 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$150
Requires invitation letter from a Chadian company.
Multiple-entry e-Visa
Max stay90 days total
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$250
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Visa on arrival (if eligible)
Max stay30 days
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$100
Only at N'Djamena airport; not guaranteed for all nationalities.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (300 USD)
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
~$200 USD (200 USD)
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Chad. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (500 USD)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Chad's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Chad e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for most nationalities; valid for 30 days from arrival. | $90 |
| Chad e-Visa (single entry, business)Business e-visa; requires invitation letter. | $150 |
| Chad e-Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)For frequent travellers; valid 90 days from issue. | $250 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at N'Djamena International Airport; cash in USD or XAF. | $100 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the National Police immigration office in N'Djamena. | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Zambian passport holders transiting through Chad require a visa, even for airside transit. There is no transit visa exemption.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt with prior approval.
- 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; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present 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
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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 (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 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related services.
Practical information for ZM 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
Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and length of stay. Check the official e-visa portal for the exact amount — it's typically around $100-150 USD. Payment is made online.
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 visa.
You'll be refused entry and sent back on the next available flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for Zambian citizens, so don't risk it.
Yes, it's mandatory. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
No, the e-visa is single-entry. If you leave Chad, you'll need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you'll have problems with immigration and may face fines or detention. Always renew before traveling.
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.