Chad entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply for an e-visa online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options at N'Djamena International Airport. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to a week.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Chad eVisa at e-visa.td before you fly. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and you need a digital passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page. Print the approval email and carry it with you — immigration at N'Djamena will ask to see it.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Chad. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration in N'Djamena enforces it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at N'Djamena airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines flying into Chad also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Chad. Immigration may ask for it during the entry interview, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry cash (Euros or CFA francs) or a bank statement showing at least 500 USD equivalent. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply early
There is no visa-on-arrival option at N'Djamena Airport. You must have an approved e-visa before you travel. Apply at least two weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) at immigration. Without it, you risk being denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to e-visa.td, fill in your personal and travel details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on visa type) with a credit card. Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Receive and print your visa approval
You'll get an email with your approved visa as a PDF. Print two copies — one to hand to immigration, one as backup. Also save a copy on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for arrival
Before you land at N'Djamena International Airport, have your passport, printed visa, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking easily accessible. Immigration officers will check these at the counter.
4
Go through immigration at N'Djamena
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Hand over your passport, printed visa, and boarding pass. The officer may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly. You'll get a stamp and can proceed to baggage claim.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 (100 USD)
Apply at Chadian embassy or obtain on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers. Must have valid reason for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (200 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Temporaire)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD + employer sponsorship
For foreign workers with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Chad. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD + investment proof
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Chad (e.g., $50,000). Requires business plan and registration. Offers residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | ~$10 USD per day (10 USD) |
| Overstay maximum capMaximum cumulative fine for overstay. | ~$500 USD (500 USD) |
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
Ethiopian passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Chad, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Chadian embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Chad or a residence permit may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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; Ethiopia is considered a risk country.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Chad, especially in southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during floods. Ensure safe water and food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Chad, especially in southern regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and bed 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 et de l'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 Principale, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for southern Chad. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for ET 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
No. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Ethiopian passport holders. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight.
Typically 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe. The official portal is e-visa.td.
Fees vary by visa type. A single-entry tourist visa is around $100–$150. Payment is by credit card on the e-visa website.
Your application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Chad.
Yes, it's mandatory. You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, contact the Chadian immigration office in N'Djamena before your visa runs out.
Always carry your passport and a copy of your visa. Police checkpoints are common, and you may be asked for ID. Keep your hotel address handy in French or Arabic.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.