Chad entry requirements for New Zealand 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

New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for NZ citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take a few weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Chad eVisa
Apply for a Chad eVisa at the official portal before you travel. The eVisa is valid for single entry and allows stays up to 90 days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at N'Djamena will check it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least the full length of your stay in Chad. Airlines at Auckland and transit hubs will check this before you board. Carry at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Chad
Immigration at N'Djamena International Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. A flight booking out of Chad within your eVisa validity period is required. Budget airlines like Ethiopian Airlines or Air France may check this at check-in too.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Chad. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. A simple booking confirmation from Booking.com or similar works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough funds for your stay. Chad is a cash-heavy country — bring some euros or US dollars in cash for the first few days. ATMs are scarce outside N'Djamena.Recommended
Security situation
Chad has a high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Check the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advisory before booking. Register with SafeTravel.
Yellow fever vaccination required
All travellers need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel and carry the yellow card with you.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to https://e-visa.td/ and complete the application form. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee online. Processing typically takes 5-15 business days.
2
Receive and print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF visa approval letter by email. Print a copy and keep it with your passport — you'll need to show it at immigration on arrival.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
Most flights arrive at N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ). After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, visa approval letter, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
4
Go through immigration
Present your documents to the immigration officer. They will stamp your passport with an entry stamp. The process is usually straightforward but can be slow — expect a queue.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash or restricted items. Once through, you're free to enter Chad.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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

Apply at Chadian embassy or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD

Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD

Requires sponsorship or work permit; for extended stays.

work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Chadian employer. Requires work permit and sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized Chadian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a standard single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival.~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days.~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; pay at immigration office.~$5 USD per day (max $100 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
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

No transit visa needed

New Zealand passport holders transiting through Chad do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)

Health & vaccines for Chad

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

Widespread throughout Chad; prophylaxis strongly recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.

CholeraModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene.

Malaria risk: high

High risk nationwide; use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).

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.

Moundou
Immigration Office Moundou
Rue du Commerce, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Regional office for visa-related issues in southern Chad.

Practical information for NZ 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 NZ passport holders. You must obtain an e-visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5 to 15 business days. Apply at least 3 weeks before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies depending on visa type and duration. Expect to pay around USD 100–150 for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the official e-visa site for current prices.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. It's also recommended for all visitors. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination.
Extensions are not available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires or apply for a different visa type before travel if you need a longer stay.
Your e-visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport before applying. Immigration at the border may also deny entry.
Chad has security risks, including terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Register with your embassy on arrival.

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.