Ndjamena Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Entering N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, involves navigating a formal immigration process typical of many Central African nations. Most travelers, including those from Western countries, require a visa obtained in advance. The entry process at N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ) can be slow and requires patience; officials will thoroughly inspect travel documents, including visas and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Travelers should be prepared for a high level of scrutiny, have all documents organized and readily accessible, and be ready to answer questions about the purpose of their visit and accommodation details. Chad's entry requirements are strictly enforced. It is important to ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining and multiple blank pages. Travelers are advised to carry copies of their passport, visa, and supporting documents separately from the originals. Due to the country's security situation, all visitors must register with the police upon arrival in N'Djamena, a process often helpd by hotels for their guests. Always maintain a respectful and patient demeanor with immigration and security officials.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Chad requires visas for nearly all foreign nationals. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival from a Chadian embassy or consulate. The eVisa system, previously available, has been suspended indefinitely. Visa-on-arrival is generally not available for tourists and should not be relied upon.

Visa-Free Entry

Typically up to 90 days

Nationalities exempt from visa requirements for short stays.

Includes

Citizens of African Union member states with bilateral agreements (e.g., Central African Republic, Cameroon, Niger, Mali). Note: Policies for specific AU countries can change.

Even visa-exempt travelers must present a valid passport, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and may need to show proof of sufficient funds and onward travel.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

N/A

Previously offered but currently suspended.

Includes

All nationalities

How to Apply: The official Chadian eVisa portal is currently non-operational. All applicants must use traditional embassy channels.
Cost: N/A

Do not trust third-party websites offering Chadian eVisas. The only official method is through a Chadian diplomatic mission.

Visa Required

Typically 1-3 months for tourist visas

The vast majority of travelers, including from Western nations, must obtain a visa before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person at a Chadian embassy or consulate. The process requires a completed application form, passport photos, passport with sufficient validity, proof of yellow fever vaccination, hotel reservation or letter of invitation, proof of sufficient funds, and a flight itinerary. Processing can take several weeks. Some embassies require an interview.

Business visas require a formal invitation from a Chadian company. Tourist visas often require a letter from a tour operator or hotel confirmation. Visa validity and allowed duration of stay are determined by the issuing authority.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ), travelers proceed through a multi-step immigration and customs process. The atmosphere is formal and security is tight. Expect thorough checks and potential delays.

Health Screening

Officials will check your International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) card for a valid yellow fever vaccination. Without it, you may be vaccinated on the spot (for a fee) or denied entry.

Passport Control

Present your passport with the Chadian visa, completed arrival card, and any supporting documents (invitation letter, hotel booking). The officer will stamp your passport and may ask questions about your visit.

Baggage Claim and Customs

Collect your luggage and proceed to the red/green customs channel. Be prepared to open your bags for inspection. Have your customs declaration form (if applicable) ready.

Police Registration

All foreigners must register with the Police des Étrangers (Aliens Police) within 72 hours of arrival. Most major hotels will handle this registration for their guests; independent travelers must go to the central police station in N'Djamena.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and have at least two blank visa pages.

Chadian Visa

Must be the correct type (tourist/business) and valid for the dates of travel. Must be affixed in the passport before arrival.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (ICVP)

Original card required. Digital copies are not accepted.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation confirmation or a formal letter of invitation from a host in Chad.

Proof of Onward/Return Travel

A copy of your flight ticket departing Chad.

Arrival Card

A simple form distributed on the plane or at the airport to be filled out before passport control.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Carry multiple photocopies of your passport, visa, vaccination card, and invitation letter. Keep them separate from the originals.

Dress neatly and respectfully for your arrival. First impressions matter with immigration officials.

Be patient, polite, and direct with your answers. Do not joke or appear frustrated.

Confirm with your hotel in advance that they will handle the police registration for you.

Have a local contact name and phone number readily available, even if it's just your hotel.

Customs & Duty-Free

Chad has strict customs regulations. All luggage is subject to inspection. Declare all currency over the threshold and any commercial goods. Failure to declare can result in heavy fines or confiscation.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits

Must be for personal use. Subject to inspection and discretion of the officer.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

Must be for personal use.

Currency

XAF or foreign currency equivalent to or exceeding 1,000,000 XAF (approx. $1,650 USD)

Any amount exceeding this must be declared upon entry and exit. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation.

Gifts/Goods

Reasonable personal effects

New items that appear commercial in nature may be subject to duty. It's advisable to have receipts for valuable personal items like electronics.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Pornographic materials
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without special authorization
Protected wildlife products (ivory, animal skins, etc.)

Restricted Items

Prescription medications require the original prescription and should be in clearly labeled containers.
Radio communication equipment requires prior approval from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
Drones require special authorization from civil aviation authorities.

Health Requirements

Chad has specific health requirements for entry due to endemic diseases. Proof of vaccination is mandatory and checked upon arrival.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (Must be documented on an official ICVP card)

Recommended Vaccinations

Polio (oral polio vaccine certificate may be required if traveling from certain countries)
Meningitis (for travel during the dry season, Dec-June)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Rabies
Malaria Prophylaxis (Chad is a high-risk malaria zone)
Cholera (may be recommended, during outbreaks)

Health Insurance

Complete travel health insurance, including medical evacuation coverage, is highly recommended and may be required by some visa applications. Medical facilities in N'Djamena are limited and serious conditions require evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: Check the WHO and CDC websites for current advisories on diseases like cholera, measles, or polio. COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements are not currently in place for entry, but this can change rapidly.

🛡️

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Complete coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads

Read our complete Ndjamena Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in N'Djamena before travel. Many Western nations have representation.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., US State Department, UK FCDO) for contact details and registration information.

Immigration Authority

Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (Immigration Authority)

For official inquiries, it is best to contact a Chadian embassy abroad, as the local authority does not have a public-facing website for visa information.

Emergency

Emergency services number: 17

For police. Ambulance and fire services may have separate, less reliable numbers. Contact your embassy in a serious emergency.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and visa. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is strongly recommended, though not always formally requested. The letter should be translated into French.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require a valid veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), and an import permit obtained in advance from the Chadian Ministry of Livestock. A microchip is recommended.

Extended Stays

To stay beyond the validity of a tourist visa, you must apply for an extension at the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (Immigration office) in N'Djamena well before your current visa expires. This process can be complex and is not guaranteed. Overstaying results in heavy daily fines and potential legal issues.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

View Ndjamena Packing List →