Chad entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply for an e-visa online before you travel. This requirement has been in place since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Required for US citizens | Apply for a Chad eVisa at e-visa.td before you travel. The online form takes about 15 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your US passport needs at least one blank page for entry stamps. Chad does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your visit. | 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 out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Chad. Officers rarely ask, but having it printed saves time if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing $500+ in available funds covers most scenarios. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show proof of yellow fever vaccination (yellow card) to enter Chad. No exceptions. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Currency and cash
Chad uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring enough euros or US dollars to exchange at the airport or a bank.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to the official Chad e-visa portal (e-visa.td). Fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the fee with a credit card. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Print your visa approval
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print it and keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
After landing, head to immigration. Present your passport, printed visa approval, and return ticket. They'll stamp you in. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. There's a customs check but it's usually quick for tourists. Then you're free to leave.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 date
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Standard tourist visa for short visits. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF)
Allows multiple entries for longer stays. Must apply at embassy before travel.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For work, study, or other long-term purposes. Requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Work Visa (Carte de Séjour Temporaire)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Chad. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For students enrolled at a recognized institution in Chad. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (equivalent in XAF)
For individuals investing a minimum amount in Chad's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, typically valid for 30 days. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Ndjamena International Airport for some nationalities; check eligibility. | ~$100 USD (equivalent in XAF) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are charged daily, with a maximum cap. Avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | ~$5 USD per day (max ~$200 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
Transit visa required
US citizens transiting through Chad must obtain a transit visa if leaving the airport or staying overnight. Airside transit may be allowed without a visa for short connections.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Chad or a neighboring country may transit without a visa.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Health & vaccines for Chad
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk; may be required for all travelers depending on current regulations.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisRecommendedCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Chad, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Typhoid feverHigh risk
Risk from contaminated food and water. Vaccination and safe eating/drinking habits advised.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Moundou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Moundou
Rue du Commerce, Moundou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for visa-related issues in southern Chad.
Practical information for US 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
Typically 3–5 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official site is e-visa.td.
No. US citizens must have an approved e-visa before boarding. Airlines will check it at check-in.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. For US passport holders, expect around $100–$150. Check the e-visa portal for the exact amount.
Your e-visa application will be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply.
Yes. Chad requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year old. Bring your WHO yellow card.
No. The e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Airlines may also fine you for not having proper documents.
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.