Chad entry requirements for Zimbabwe passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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

Zimbabwean passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options. Processing can take up to a week, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Required for all Zimbabwe passport holders
Apply online at the official Chad eVisa portal before departure. The application asks for passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Processing takes 2–5 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you receive approval.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire stay
Your passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Chad does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to cover your dates of travel.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at N'Djamena International Airport check for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also verify this before boarding — have a printed copy or a digital booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Chad help speed through immigration. Officers occasionally ask where you are staying — having a printed reservation avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry cash in euros or US dollars — there are no ATMs that reliably accept foreign cards outside N'Djamena. A bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay satisfies any officer who asks.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination required
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.
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 https://e-visa.td/ and fill out the application. Upload a passport-style photo and a clear scan of your passport data page. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on visa type) with a credit card. Wait for approval — typically 3–7 business days.
2
Print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. Immigration at N'Djamena International Airport will ask to see it.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
At N'Djamena airport, you'll queue at immigration. Have your passport, printed visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. Answer clearly and calmly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from the carousel. There's usually a customs check — declare any expensive electronics or large sums of cash. Then you're free to exit.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable at immigration office
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD

Apply at Chadian embassy in advance; extensions possible but not guaranteed.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD

Suitable for frequent travellers; must meet embassy requirements.

Long-stay visa (work/student)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (typically $200–$500 USD)

Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at Chadian embassy.

work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (processing fees)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Carte de Séjour Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$100–$300 USD (processing fees)
For students enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Chad. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows stay for duration of studies.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Séjour Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (processing fees)
For individuals investing a minimum amount (typically $50,000+) in Chad. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Offers long-term residency.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Zimbabwe passport holders; apply at Chadian embassy.~$100 USD (exact amount varies by embassy)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions depend on embassy.~$150 USD (exact amount varies by embassy)
Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in fines and future entry bans.~$10 USD per day (estimated, no official cap known)

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

Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Chad generally need a transit visa, even if staying airside. Apply at Chadian embassy before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
  • Transit visa may be waived if connecting flight is within 24 hours and traveller does not leave the airport (confirm with airline).
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)

Health & vaccines for Chad

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (Zimbabwe is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Malaria is widespread throughout Chad, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

CholeraModerate risk

Cholera outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season; ensure safe food and water.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions of Chad. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.

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 application form.

Moundou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Moundou
Rue Principale, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Regional office for visa-related issues; limited services compared to N'Djamena.

Practical information for ZW 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 = 564.01 XAF
updated Jun 3
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
Police17
Medical18
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Zimbabwean passport holders. You must obtain an e-visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid delays.
The fee varies by visa type but typically ranges from $100 to $150 USD. Payment is made online by credit card during the application.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the visa.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) with you.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You would need to visit the immigration office in N'Djamena before your visa expires. It's best to apply for the correct duration upfront.
It's not always checked at immigration, but it's strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic and evacuation can be very expensive.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.