Chad entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Irish passport holders need a visa to enter Chad in 2026. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa for ChadYou need to get this visa online before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival for Irish citizens. Required before travel | Irish passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Chad. Apply online through the official Chadian e-visa portal. The e-visa is typically valid for a single entry; check the portal for current fees and processing times. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire too soon — it must be valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months | Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Chad. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's a good idea to have a flight out of Chad booked, in case they ask to see it. May be requested | Although not always required, immigration officials may ask to see proof of a return or onward ticket. Carry a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHave a way to show you can pay for your trip, like a bank statement or a credit card. May be requested | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. There is no fixed amount specified, but carrying a bank statement or credit card is advisable. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form before you land. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Chad. | Not required |
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 August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (e-Visa)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150–$200 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from a Chadian company.
Multiple-entry visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$200–$250 (approx.)
For frequent travelers; apply online.
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 |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, tourist)Fee varies by nationality and processing time; paid online. | $100–$150 (approx.) |
| e-Visa (multiple entry)If available; check official portal. | $150–$200 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (in-country)Apply at the National Police immigration office in N'Djamena; fees vary. | $50–$100 (approx.) |
| Exit feeSome airports charge a departure tax; often included in ticket. | Included in airfare or paid at airport |
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Chad generally require a visa, even for airside transit, unless they hold a confirmed onward ticket and remain in the international transit area for less than 24 hours. However, due to limited facilities, most travelers are advised to obtain a transit visa in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Holders of a valid visa for a third country may be allowed airside transit without a visa if staying within the transit area and not leaving the airport.
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 = 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
Yes, a transit visa is required for Irish passport holders changing planes in Chad, even if you stay airside. Exceptions apply if you hold a valid visa for Chad or a residence permit for an African Union member state. 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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.