Entry Requirements & Visas
Critical for 2026: Yellow Fever Vaccination
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Chad, required for all travelers over 9 months old arriving from any country. Proof must be presented at immigration, and failure to provide it can result in denial of entry or quarantine. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Chad, with at least two blank pages for visas and stamps. Chad's immigration officials are strict, so renew early if needed to avoid issues at the border.
Always carry multiple photocopies of your passport and visa while traveling within the country for checkpoints.
Visa-Free Countries
Chad offers visa-free entry to citizens of a few neighboring African countries like Cameroon and Central African Republic for short stays up to 90 days, but most international visitors require a visa in advance.
Even visa-free travelers should confirm current policies, as regional security can lead to sudden changes.
Visa Applications
Visas are required for most nationalities, including US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia citizens; apply at a Chadian embassy or consulate abroad with documents like a passport photo, invitation letter, proof of funds ($50/day recommended), and return ticket. The standard tourist visa costs around $100-150 and takes 5-15 days to process.
Some nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at N'Djamena International Airport for $120, but pre-approval is advised to avoid delays.
Border Crossings
Air entry via N'Djamena is the safest and most straightforward, with thorough checks for visas and vaccinations; overland borders with Cameroon, Nigeria, or Sudan are risky due to security concerns and may require armed escorts.
Expect potential delays at land borders, and always travel with a registered guide for non-air entries.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended and often required, covering medical evacuation (essential due to limited healthcare), trip cancellations, and security-related interruptions in high-risk areas like the Lake Chad region.
Policies should include coverage for adventure activities like safari tours; costs start at $10/day from international providers.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions can be applied for at the immigration office in N'Djamena for valid reasons like extended research or business, typically granting 1-3 additional months for a fee of $50-100.
Submit applications at least two weeks before expiration with supporting documents, and note that approvals are not guaranteed due to administrative backlogs.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Chad uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to N'Djamena by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for regional flights from Europe or Africa.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street vendors or small eateries for affordable Chadian dishes like ballah-ballah under $5, avoiding tourist-oriented hotels to save up to 60% on food costs.
Local markets in N'Djamena offer fresh fruits, grilled fish, and communal meals at bargain prices, providing authentic flavors.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared minibuses or bush taxis for intercity travel at $5-15 per leg, which are the most economical way to cover distances like N'Djamena to Moundou.
Group travel with other tourists to negotiate better rates on private vehicles for safer, more comfortable journeys.
Free Attractions
Explore natural wonders like the Ennedi Plateau rock formations or Lake Chad shores, which are free and offer stunning, uncrowded adventures.
Many cultural sites, such as traditional villages in the south, have no entry fees and provide immersive experiences with local communities.
Card vs Cash
Cash is king in Chad with limited ATM availability outside N'Djamena; carry USD or EUR for exchange at banks for better rates.
Avoid street money changers due to scams, and use cards sparingly at major hotels where Visa/Mastercard might be accepted.
Park & Tour Discounts
Book multi-day safari packages to Zakouma National Park in advance for bundled rates starting at $200 for 3 days, including transport and guides.
Travel during off-peak dry season months for lower fees on permits and accommodations in protected areas.
Smart Packing for Chad
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the hot climate, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and cultural respect in conservative areas.
Include modest attire for visiting mosques or villages, and quick-dry layers for dusty Sahara winds or humid southern regions.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/E), solar charger or extra power bank for remote areas with unreliable electricity, offline maps like Maps.me, and a rugged satellite phone for safety.
Download French/Arabic translation apps and keep devices in waterproof cases for dusty or rainy conditions.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a well-stocked first-aid kit with antimalarials, antibiotics, and rehydration salts, plus your yellow fever certificate.
Include high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat, and a personal water filter for purification in areas without bottled water.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for safaris, reusable water bottle with purification tablets, lightweight sleeping bag for overland trips, and cash in small XAF bills.
Bring passport copies, a money belt, and a whistle or personal alarm for security in less developed areas.
Footwear Strategy
Opt for sturdy hiking boots or closed sandals for rocky desert trails in Ennedi and closed-toe shoes for urban dust in N'Djamena.
Waterproof options are vital for rainy season mud, and extra socks help with the hot, sandy terrain common across Chad.
Personal Care
Include DEET-based insect repellent, biodegradable soap, and moisturizer for dry skin in the Sahel; a mosquito net is essential for rural stays.
Travel-sized wet wipes and lip balm with SPF assist in hygiene during long journeys with limited facilities.
When to Visit Chad
Cool Dry Season (November-February)
The best time for travel with comfortable temperatures of 20-30°C, low humidity, and clear skies ideal for safaris in Zakouma National Park and exploring ancient rock art in Ennedi.
Fewer rains mean better road access and vibrant wildlife viewing around waterholes, though northern areas may still require security clearances.
Hot Dry Season (March-May)
Intense heat up to 40°C limits outdoor activities but is suitable for cultural festivals in the south and birdwatching migrations.
Expect scorching days with cooler nights; travel early mornings and focus on air-conditioned urban stays in N'Djamena.
Rainy Season (June-October)
Heavy rains transform landscapes into lush greenery with temperatures of 25-35°C, great for southern agriculture tours and fewer tourists.
Roads become impassable in rural areas, so stick to flights; malaria risk increases, making precautions essential.
Transition Periods
Shoulder seasons offer mild weather around 25-32°C with emerging blooms, perfect for budget travel to Lake Chad or Tibesti Mountains.
Avoid peak heat or rains by timing visits for local events like the Fête de la Musique, with lower costs and authentic experiences.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF). Pegged to the Euro (1 EUR ≈ 656 XAF). ATMs scarce; carry USD for exchange. Cards rarely accepted outside major hotels.
- Language: French and Arabic are official. Over 100 local languages spoken; English limited. Basic French phrases help in cities.
- Time Zone: West Africa Time (WAT), UTC+1 year-round
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/E plugs (European two-pin). Power outages common; bring a portable charger.
- Emergency Number: Police: 17, Fire: 18, Medical Assistance: 125. International support via embassy hotlines.
- Tipping: Not customary but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants or $1-2 for guides/porters in rural areas.
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink only bottled or purified. Boil or use tablets in remote areas.
- Pharmacies: Available in N'Djamena and larger towns. Stock up on essentials abroad due to shortages.