How to Get a Chad Tourist Visa in Europe for British Citizens

Chad– a huge, landlocked country right in the middle of North Africa. It may not have been developed for tourism yet, especially with its current condition, but thrill-seeking travelers are still getting attracted to its challenges which will bring out the survivor in you.

Unfortunately, due to threats of terrorism and violent crimes in the former French colony, the UK government advises against traveling to most of the country and is also against anything but essential travel to its remaining parts. 

However, if you’re one to crave for extreme adventures, the exact thing Chad has to offer, here are the ways on how a British Citizen can get a tourist visa to Chad.

Chad Quick Facts about Chad

Capital: N’Djamena

Country Code: +235

Languages Spoken: French, Arabic, Chadian Arabic, and over 120 indigenous languages

Currency: Central African Franc (FCFA)

Emergency Numbers: +235 17 for the Police, +235 18 for Fire, +235 2251-4242 for Ambulance

Requirements for the Application of Chad Tourist Visa 

• A letter of invitation or certificate of accommodation from the municipality or city you’re planning to visit (you may contact a tour operator in Chad or ask your hotel/host to help you process this)
• A hotel reservation confirmation
• A return flight ticket
• 2 copies of the Application Form, duly filled out (here’s the copy of the Application Form from the Chadian Embassy in France)
• 2 passport size photos to be glued to the forms
• An up-to-date vaccination card
• A copy of the host’s ID card
• A current passport which is valid for at least 6 months upon the date of departure
• Proof of payment of the visa fees sent to the Embassy’s account

Note: The Chadian Embassy in France accepts applications for a visa by mail so you may also enclose an envelope with enough postage for the return of your passport as well. (ask your nearest post office regarding the stamps and envelope appropriate for mailing a passport)

Step-by-Step Procedure When Applying for Chad Tourist Visa

1. Contact a tour operator or a host in Chad to get a Letter of Invitation issued by the local government

2. Download the form from the Embassy’s official website and fill it out

3. Process the payments by depositing to the bank account of the Embassy at:
               IBAN Number: BE41 0689 0137 0810
               BIC code: GKCCBEBB

**You may also process the payments on-site at the Embassy through Bancontact. No cash payments are accepted except for some exceptional cases.

4. Visit the Chad Embassy and submit all the requirements

5. Once approved, you may collect your visa from the Embassy!

Where You Can Submit Your Application for Chad Tourist Visa

Since there isn’t an Embassy of Chad in the UK, you have two choices where you can submit your application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chad

1. How much does it cost to apply for a tourist visa to Chad?

For a short stay in Chad (single entry visa, usually ranging from 1 day to 4 weeks), the Embassy will charge you 70 € or £64.

Should you want to stay longer, a multiple entry visa for 3 months costs 70 € or around £91.

3. How long does it take for the Embassy to process my visa?

The standard processing time for a tourist visa is 3 working days.

If you’d like to have your visa expedited (issued in one day), you’ll have to pay 20 € or around £18 more.

3. Will I get a refund in case my application gets denied?

No, all payments are final and non-refundable.

4. How long is my visa valid for? 

Visas are usually valid for one month from the date of issue. It will also allow you to stay within the country from 1 day to 4 weeks, depending on your planned vacation.

5. Can I extend my stay in Chad?

Yes, you can! If you’d like to extend your visa, you must contact the National Police.

6. What are the things you must consider when traveling to Chad?

Any first-time tourist in Chad must do the following:

• Register with the National Police within 72 hours of arrival
• Bring 2 additional passport size photos for registration

Once you’re registered with the Police, any subsequent visit to Chad using the same passport will no longer require a registration stamp.

You must also have a yellow fever vaccine before visiting the country.

7. Is Chad safe for tourists?

At the moment, Chad is considered unsafe for tourists by most governments in the world due to threats of crime, terrorism, and active minefields around the area. 

Boko Haram, an infamous terrorist group in Africa, has said to have increased its attacks in Chad since 2018. They are feared to cross the borders in the Lake Chad region any time without notice, potentially harming visitors and locals alike.

According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the UK, here are the places in Chad that you must avoid traveling to:

• areas within 30km of all borders, except N’Djamena
• areas within 30km of Lake Chad, parts of the Kanem and Lac regions, towns of Mao and Bol
• Ennedi and Tibesti regions
• Borkou, except within 30km of Faya Largeau

As for Faya Largeau and N’Djamena, the government advises its citizens to stay away unless there’s a need for them to travel to these areas.

Aside from terrorist threats, there’s also been increasing reports of car-jacking on roads outside the capital, even during the day. If you’ll be traveling by land outside N’Djamena, it’s recommended that you use a police or military escort.

8. Where can I ask for help from the UK Government while in Chad?

In urgent cases where you need help from the government, you may contact the British High Commission in Cameroon at +237 222 220 545.

You may also give this number to your family or friends once you travel to Chad so they can contact the High Commission while in case of emergency: 020 7008 1500.

9. Should I get insurance before visiting Chad?

For your safety, it is highly recommended that you get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel to Chad.

10. How do I get to Chad from the UK?

There are several airlines chartering flights from the UK to Chad on the regular. This is probably the safest way to get to the country as borders are at a high risk of being attacked.

If you’re planning to rent a flight before booking an actual one, you can also make this your official ticket to Chad.

11. Are there any local customs and traditions that I must take note of when in Chad?

Since Chad is a predominantly Muslim country, you must remember to pay respects to their local traditions as well as laws that are interconnected with their belief.

As for their clothing, most Chadian men still abide by their traditional style so you’ll find them wearing long robes called jalabiyas along with their matching pants known as boubous. To top it all off, men also wear white turbans known as tagiya.

You might also find men in the urban areas wearing Western-style clothing, so it won’t be a problem for you to fit right in.

As for women, since most of them are Muslims, you’ll find them dressed modestly from head to toe with robes. This isn’t a requirement by the government but is more rooted in their belief. As for the women in the South, you’ll find them wearing traditional wraps called rabott or pagne, as most of them are non-Muslim.

While in Chad, it’s very important to know if you’re allowed to take pictures of places first. You are prohibited to take pictures of certain places so to be safe, you must ask your guide first.

12. Can I exchange my money in Chad? Can I use credit cards?

Unfortunately, it can be quite hard to have your Sterling exchanged when in Chad so to make things easier, bring US Dollars or Euros with you. It’s also hard to have the CFA Francs exchanged outside of the country so before you leave Chad, make sure that you’ve already had yours exchanged or emptied.

Chad is a widely cash-based economy, so the chance of using your credit cards can be little to none.

13. When is the best time to visit Chad?

Probably the best time to visit Chad is from the dry months from October/November to March. It’s also cooler during the evenings if you visit around this time.

It’s not very ideal to visit during the rainy season as this might make it impossible to travel through the land.

14. Why should I visit Chad?

Chad is widely uncharted territory and it might be one of the last places recommended for tourists due to its tumultuous state. However, if you’re the type who wants to experience nature at its very raw state, Chad is a good destination for you.

Here, you’ll be able to witness one of the last frontiers of Central Africa like the Zakouma National Park where herds of wild animals can roam around freely in their natural habitat.

The birdlife in Chad is also one that cannot be witnessed elsewhere. Beautiful species such as the Saville bustards, niam niam parrots, and more call this their territory.

Chadian landscape is also, without a doubt, some of the most magnificent in this part of the earth. Since most of the country is still underdeveloped, they managed to preserve the beauty of their Saharan landscape which you can enjoy for yourself without the worry of it being heavily populated by tourists.

Of course, one must not forget the rich culture of the Chadian people. With over 120 indigenous languages spoken within the country, you’ll probably find yourself fascinated by their unique origins.

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