Chad entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead, as processing can take up to two weeks.
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 to upload a passport photo and passport scan. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport to immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Chad. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at N'Djamena International Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — have it ready with your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Officers may ask for a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host in Chad. A printed confirmation from Booking.com or a signed letter with the host's contact details is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry cash (Euros or US Dollars) or a bank statement showing at least $200 per day of your stay. ATMs are scarce outside N'Djamena, so bring enough cash for your trip. | Recommended |
Visa required — no visa on arrival
Irish passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Chad. You must apply and receive approval online before you travel. Without a printed visa approval, you will be denied boarding.
Cash is king in Chad
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in N'Djamena. Bring enough euros or US dollars to exchange, or withdraw CFA from the few ATMs that work. Plan for at least €50–€100 per day in cash.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to the official Chad e-visa portal (e-visa.td). Fill in your personal details, upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport info page. Pay the visa fee (around €70–€100 depending on processing speed). Submit and wait for approval — typically 3–10 business days.
2
Print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF by email. Print two copies — one to present at check-in and one to hand to immigration on arrival. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival' (even though you have a visa). Present your passport, printed visa approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Expect a short queue — 15–30 minutes is typical.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. There are no customs checks for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel drivers wait.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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€80 (~$87 USD)
Apply at Chadian embassy or obtain on arrival.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€150 (~$163 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit.
work visa
Travailleurs Salariés Visa
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$217 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD)
For enrolled students at a Chadian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (~$543 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in Chad. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Irish passport holders, payable at embassy or on arrival. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €150 (~$163 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €500 (~$543 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
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
A transit visa is required for Irish passport holders changing planes in Chad, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Chad or a residence permit for an African Union member state may transit without visa.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Health & vaccines for Chad
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travellers arriving from endemic countries; may be required for all entrants.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk from contaminated food and water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Moundou
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue Principale, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for southern Chad.
Practical information for IE 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
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
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you do not need a visa. But if you leave the transit area or have an overnight layover, you'll need a visa. Check with your airline before booking.
Standard processing takes 5–10 business days. Expedited processing (2–3 days) costs extra — around €120. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in N'Djamena. Extensions are granted for up to 30 days and cost about €50. You'll need to show proof of funds and a return ticket.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Chadian immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
It is not legally required for entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are basic and cash payment is expected upfront. A serious injury or illness can cost thousands of euros.
The local currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll need CFA for taxis and markets. Bring cash — ATMs are unreliable outside N'Djamena.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers over 1 year old. You must show the certificate (the 'Yellow Card') on arrival. Malaria is widespread — take prophylactics and use mosquito repellent.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.