Chad entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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

British passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival at N'Djamena International Airport. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to two weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply online before travel
You need a visa to enter Chad. Apply for an eVisa at e-visa.td before you fly. Processing takes a few business days — do not book non-refundable flights until approved.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must cover your entire stay
Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Chad does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your travel dates.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at N'Djamena airport check for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have your booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number ready.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
You may be asked to show cash or a bank statement covering your stay. Carry at least $200–$300 equivalent in cash or have a card statement accessible.Recommended
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory
You must carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') when you arrive. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport — which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Cash is king in Chad
ATMs are rare outside N'Djamena, and cards are not widely accepted. Bring enough CFA francs (XAF) for your trip. You can exchange GBP or USD at banks and bureaux de change in the capital.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to https://e-visa.td/, fill in the application, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $100–$150 depending on processing time). Wait for approval — typically 5–10 working days, sometimes up to 2 weeks.
2
Pack your documents
Print your visa approval email, passport, return ticket, and hotel booking. Save digital copies on your phone as backup. Keep them in your hand luggage.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, head to the immigration hall. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Hand over your passport, visa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 5–10 minutes. No biometrics or extra forms needed.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash (over 1 million XAF, about £1,300) or expensive electronics. Otherwise, walk straight through.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$100 USD (approx. £80)

Apply at Chadian embassy; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (approx. £120)

For frequent travellers; same extension process.

Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$200 USD (approx. £160)

Requires strong justification; apply at embassy.

work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. £240)
For those with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. £160)
For enrolled students at a recognized institution in Chad. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. £400)
For significant investors in Chad. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Offers long-term stay and work rights.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee varies by embassy; apply in advance.~$100 USD (approx. £80)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity up to 3 months.~$150 USD (approx. £120)
Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at N'Djamena airport for some nationalities; check eligibility.~$100 USD (approx. £80)
Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying.~$10 USD per day (approx. £8)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%

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

UK passport holders transiting through Chad generally need a transit visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
  • If you have a visa for Chad, transit visa is not needed.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)

Health & vaccines for Chad

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission; certificate may be requested at border.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Chad; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk in areas with poor sanitation; ensure safe food and water.

Malaria risk: high

High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) recommended for all travellers.

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 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.

Practical information for GB 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 = 563.11 XAF
updated May 19
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 for British passport holders. You must apply and receive approval through the official e-visa portal before you travel.
Typically 5–10 working days, but can take up to 2 weeks. Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to be safe. Rush processing is sometimes available for an extra fee.
Around $100–$150 depending on the processing speed you choose. Payment is made online by credit or debit card.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Chadian immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes, it is mandatory. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') upon arrival. Without it, you may be vaccinated at the airport or denied entry.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to many parts of Chad due to terrorism and crime. N'Djamena is safer but still has risks. Check the latest travel advice before booking.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.