Chad entry requirements for Zambia 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
Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Chad. You must apply for an e-visa online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options. This requirement is in effect as of 2026.
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, so apply at least a week ahead. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at N'Djamena will check it before stamping you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Chad. Airlines at Lusaka and Addis Ababa enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at N'Djamena International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they check this before letting you through to baggage claim. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Chad. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least 500,000 XAF (~$800) for the trip. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, they expect to see cash or a card in your name. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have the yellow fever vaccine and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card). Immigration in Chad checks this. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot at your own expense.
Apply for the e-visa early
Processing times can be unpredictable — sometimes 2 days, sometimes a week. Don't wait until the last minute. Apply at least 10 days before your flight to avoid stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Chad e-visa website (e-visa.td). Fill in your personal and passport details, upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Pay the visa fee online. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. You'll receive the approved visa by email — print it or save the PDF.
2
Prepare your documents for departure
Before you leave Zambia, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa approval, return/onward ticket, first night hotel booking confirmation, and travel insurance documents. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup.
3
Arrive at N'Djamena International Airport
When you land at N'Djamena (NDJ), head to the immigration queue. Present your passport and e-visa approval. The officer will stamp you in. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask — it's not always requested, but better to have them.
4
Exit immigration and collect luggage
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional forms to fill on arrival. You're free to exit the airport.
Download Chad Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia 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 (100 USD)
Apply at Chadian embassy or on arrival; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~$150 USD (150 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; extension possible.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~$200 USD (200 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of purpose and funds.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (300 USD)
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
~$200 USD (200 USD)
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Chad. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (500 USD)
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)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or on arrival. | ~$100 USD (100 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ~$150 USD (150 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; may accumulate. | ~$10 USD per day (10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Zambia passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Chad, even if staying airside. Apply in advance.
Transit hubsN'Djamena International Airport (NDJ)
Health & vaccines for Chad
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Chad; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito avoidance advised.
CholeraModerate risk
Risk in areas with poor sanitation; food and water precautions essential.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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 08:00–16:00
Regional office for visa-related services.
Practical information for ZM 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 Zambian citizens. You must apply for an e-visa online before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2 to 5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The fee is paid online during application.
The official fee varies by nationality and visa type. Expect around $100–$150 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Check the e-visa portal for the exact amount before paying.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of arrival in Chad.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is required for entry. You'll need to show the International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) at immigration. Get it at least 10 days before travel.
Extensions are not available for the standard e-visa. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying can result in fines or detention.
Your passport with the approved e-visa, and sometimes your return ticket and hotel booking. Have them ready in a folder or on your phone. The officer may also ask for proof of yellow fever vaccination.
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.