Chad entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. Apply for an eVisa online before you travel — it's the most straightforward option. Plan ahead, as processing takes a few business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Chad eVisa | Apply for a Chad eVisa at e-visa.td before travel. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not wait until the last minute. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Chad. Have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at N'Djamena International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Chad. Officers may ask for it during the visa application or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing at least $500 USD or the equivalent in CFA francs. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Transit visa required even for airside connections
If you're changing planes in Chad (even staying airside), you need a transit visa. Apply at the Chadian embassy before travel. There are no exceptions.
Cash is king in Chad
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels in N'Djamena. Bring enough CFA francs (XAF) in cash for your stay. ATMs are scarce and unreliable. Exchange money at the airport or banks.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eVisa online
Go to e-visa.td and fill out the application. You'll need a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a digital passport photo. Pay the fee online (around $100 USD for single entry). You'll receive the visa by email in 3–5 business days. Print it out — you'll need a paper copy to show at immigration.
2
Prepare your documents for departure
Before you head to the airport in Saudi Arabia, double-check: your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date, you have a printed copy of your eVisa, and you have a confirmed return or onward ticket. Also have your hotel booking and proof of funds ready, just in case.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. You'll queue at the 'Foreign Passports' counter. Hand over your passport, printed eVisa, and return ticket. The officer may ask a few questions — purpose of visit, where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport and you're in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim. There's usually one carousel. Then proceed to customs — they rarely check bags, but don't bring prohibited items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel drivers wait.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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
Standard visa for tourism; apply at embassy.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD
For multiple visits; conditions apply.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
For longer stays; requires justification and sponsorship.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (plus employer sponsorship)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For students enrolled at a recognized educational institution in Chad. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Required for Saudi passport holders; apply at Chadian embassy. | ~$100 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries; validity and conditions vary. | ~$150 USD (exact amount varies by embassy) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties apply; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
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
Saudi passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Chad, even if staying airside. Apply at Chadian embassy before travel.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Health & vaccines for Chad
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; may be required for all travelers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMeningococcal MeningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Present in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; ensure safe food and water.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as 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 (Immigration)
Avenue Charles de Gaulle, N'Djamena
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Moundou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Moundou
Rue Principale, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for immigration services.
Practical information for SA 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 for Saudi passport holders. You must get an eVisa before you travel. Apply at e-visa.td at least 5 business days before your flight.
The single-entry tourist eVisa costs around $100 USD. The exact amount depends on the embassy or online portal. Multiple-entry visas cost around $150 USD.
The standard tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at the immigration office in N'Djamena. The extension costs about $10 USD per day overstay if you go beyond your allowed stay.
You'll be fined about $10 USD per day overstayed. Pay at the immigration office before you leave. Overstaying can also cause problems for future visa applications, so it's best to extend or leave on time.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, and may be required for all travelers depending on current regulations. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever are strongly recommended. Malaria is high risk nationwide — take prophylaxis like atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
Chad has security risks, especially in border regions and the Lake Chad area. Stick to N'Djamena and major towns. Avoid travel after dark. Register with your embassy on arrival. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised — local healthcare is basic.
Yes. You can extend your tourist visa once for an additional 30 days at the Direction Générale de la Documentation Nationale in N'Djamena. Bring your passport, visa, a passport photo, and the fee (around $30 USD). For longer stays, you'll need a work or student visa.
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.