Ndjamena Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport and visa, regardless of age. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents must carry a notarized parental consent letter signed by the non-accompanying parent(s), including passport copies of the parents. The letter should be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. If a child is traveling with only one parent, a letter from the other parent authorizing the travel is required. For single parents, a custody decree or death certificate may be required. Adoption papers should be carried for adopted children. All children require yellow fever vaccination certificates if over 1 year old. Birth certificates (translated to French) should be carried as additional identification.

Importing pets into Chad is complex and requires advance planning. Requirements include: valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days old but not more than 1 year old), veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, import permit from Chad's Ministry of Livestock (Ministère de l'Élevage), and microchip identification. All documentation must be in French or officially translated. Pets must enter through N'Djamena International Airport and will undergo veterinary inspection. Quarantine may be required depending on country of origin and documentation. Contact the Chadian embassy well in advance (at least 2-3 months) to obtain import permits and current requirements. Some breeds may be restricted. Consider the harsh climate and limited veterinary care in Chad before bringing pets.

Tourist visas typically allow stays of 30-90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa extension at the Direction Générale de la Police des Étrangers in N'Djamena before your current visa expires. Extension applications require: valid passport, current visa, passport photos, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, reason for extension, and applicable fees. Processing takes 1-2 weeks or longer. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, and deportation. For stays exceeding 3 months, a residence permit (carte de séjour) is required. This involves additional documentation including: proof of employment or business registration, criminal background check from home country, medical certificate from approved Chadian facility, and substantial fees. Work permits are separate and require employer sponsorship. Business activities require proper business visas and may require additional permits from relevant ministries. All extensions and permits require patience with bureaucratic processes and are best handled with local assistance or through your employer/sponsor.

Business visas require an invitation letter from a registered Chadian company or organization, including full company details, purpose and duration of visit, and financial responsibility statement. Business travelers should carry: business visa, invitation letter, company registration documents, business cards, and detailed itinerary. Registration with local authorities may be required for business activities. Certain business activities require additional permits from relevant ministries. Business travelers should arrange local contacts and support before arrival. Photography restrictions are strict around government buildings, military installations, and infrastructure - always ask permission.

Journalists, photographers, and media personnel require special authorization from Chad's Ministry of Communication and government press office before arrival. A journalist visa and press accreditation are mandatory. Applications must be submitted well in advance through the Chadian embassy with detailed information about the purpose of visit, areas to be covered, and equipment to be brought. Unauthorized journalistic activities can result in arrest, detention, equipment confiscation, and deportation. All media equipment must be declared upon arrival. Filming and photography permits are required for professional work. Restrictions are particularly strict regarding government, military, and security-related subjects.

Dual nationals with Chadian citizenship must enter and exit Chad using their Chadian passport. Former Chadian citizens who renounced citizenship should carry documentation of renunciation to avoid complications. Dual nationals may face additional scrutiny and different treatment than foreign nationals. Military-age males with Chadian citizenship may face questions about military service obligations. Consult the Chadian embassy regarding dual nationality issues before travel.