🇹🇩 Chad visa requirements

Most Western passports need a visa before arrival. Some African nations get visa-on-arrival. Don't expect to work remotely on a tourist stamp; it's a gamble.

Who walks in visa-free

Chad keeps things simple, mostly. If you hold a passport from ECOWAS nations (the Economic Community of West African States), you're likely good for 90 days visa-free. For everyone else, assume you need a visa. This includes citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU. You'll need to apply through a Chadian embassy or consulate in your home country or a neighbouring one. There used to be a visa-on-arrival for some nationalities, but this seems to be phased out or inconsistently applied. Best bet: secure your visa beforehand. Applying from another African country can sometimes be faster, but research the specific embassy’s requirements first.

Length of stay and exit stamps

Tourist visas for Chad typically grant a 30-day stay. Some longer-term options might exist, but they require specific justification and pre-approval. The real gotcha? Exit stamps. Make sure you get an official exit stamp in your passport when you leave. Without it, re-entry can become a major headache, potentially leading to fines or denial of entry. Overstaying is not advised. While specific fines aren't always publicly advertised and can change, expect penalties that could involve significant daily fines, possibly in the range of 10,000-20,000 XAF per day†, and potential detention or deportation. Always check your visa's validity and plan your departure accordingly. Double-entry visas are not standard for tourist stamps; if you leave and want to return, you'll likely need a new visa.

Working remotely on a tourist visa

Chad isn't exactly a digital nomad hotspot, and the rules around remote work on a tourist visa are, frankly, a grey area. Officially, a tourist visa is for tourism. Engaging in paid work, even if it's for a company outside Chad and you're not earning money locally, can technically be a violation. Will you get caught? It depends. Immigration officials at the airport are generally more focused on your entry and exit stamps than on your laptop setup. However, if you attract other types of attention, or if immigration policies tighten, this could become an issue. There's no specific digital nomad visa. Your safest bet is to understand the risk: it's low for short stays if you keep a low profile, but it's not zero.

What's new with Chad's visas

Chad has been making moves to streamline its visa process, most notably with the introduction of an eVisa system. This is a game-changer for many nationalities previously required to apply in person at an embassy. The eVisa is generally for tourism and business purposes and can often be processed within a few business days, though it's wise to apply at least two weeks in advance†. Fees for the eVisa can vary, but expect something in the range of $100-$150 USD† for a single-entry tourist visa. Keep an eye on the official Chadian government eVisa portal for the most up-to-date information, as programme details and fees can change. This move aims to boost tourism and business travel, making Chad more accessible.