Which major countries require Chadian citizens to obtain a visa before travel?

Chadian passport holders must obtain visas in advance for most Western countries and major economies, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, all European Union/Schengen countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.), Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and South Africa. E-visas are available for some destinations like Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Can Chadian passport holders travel to other African countries visa-free?

Yes, Chadian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many African countries. Visa-free access includes ECOWAS members (Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia), CEMAC members (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Republic, Gabon), plus Kenya, Rwanda, and Mauritius. Visa-on-arrival is available in Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Burundi, and Djibouti. E-visas are required for Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Is military service mandatory for Chadian passport applicants?

Chad has mandatory military service requirements for male citizens. Men aged 18-35 may be required to complete military service, and proof of completion or exemption may be needed for passport applications, especially for first-time adult applicants. Requirements can vary, and applicants should verify current regulations with the Direction Générale de la Documentation et de l'Immigration (DGDI) or Chadian embassy, as enforcement and exemptions are subject to change.

What documents are required to apply for a Chadian passport?

Required documents typically include: a completed passport application form, birth certificate or national identity card (Carte Nationale d'Identité), proof of Chadian nationality, recent passport-sized photographs (usually 4-6), proof of residence, and payment of applicable fees. Male applicants may need military service documentation. For renewals, the old passport is required. Requirements may vary by location, so verify with the nearest Chadian immigration office or embassy before applying.

How long does it take to get a Chadian passport and what is the cost?

Processing times for Chadian passports vary significantly depending on location and administrative capacity. In N'Djamena, processing typically takes 2-6 weeks, but delays of several months are common due to administrative backlogs and equipment shortages. For applicants abroad, processing through embassies can take 3-6 months. Costs vary: standard passports cost approximately 50,000-75,000 CFA francs (around $80-120 USD), with expedited services costing more where available. Fees and timelines should be confirmed with local authorities.

Can Chadian passport holders work in ECOWAS countries without a work permit?

Under ECOWAS protocols on free movement, Chadian citizens have visa-free entry to ECOWAS member states (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, etc.) for up to 90 days. However, the right to work and establishment varies by country. While the ECOWAS treaty provides for freedom of movement and residence, individual countries may require work permits or residence permits for employment. Travelers should verify specific work authorization requirements with the destination country's immigration authorities before seeking employment.

Which countries offer e-visas to Chadian passport holders?

Chadian citizens can apply for e-visas to 36 countries, including: Turkey, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Albania, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, India (under certain conditions), Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Ethiopia (also visa-on-arrival), Rwanda, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Togo, Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Bahamas, Cuba, and others. Application processes and fees vary by country; apply through official government e-visa portals.

Is the Chadian passport biometric and does it meet ICAO standards?

Chad has been transitioning to biometric passports that comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Biometric passports contain an electronic chip with the holder's photograph, fingerprints, and personal data. However, the rollout has been gradual, and older non-biometric passports may still be in circulation until expiry. Biometric passports offer better security and are increasingly required for visa-free or simplified entry to many countries. Verify passport type when applying or renewing.

Can Chadian citizens travel to Europe with their passport?

Chadian passport holders can travel to Europe but require visas for all Schengen Area countries and the UK. Schengen visas must be applied for at the embassy/consulate of the main destination country and allow travel throughout the 27 Schengen states. Processing takes 15-30 days (apply 3-6 months in advance). Required documents include valid passport, application form, photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of accommodation, financial means, and return tickets. UK visas are applied for separately. No European countries offer visa-free access to Chadian passport holders.

Chad Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 52 Countries

The Chad passport ranks 90th globally in 2025, offering visa-free access to 52 destinations worldwide. As a Central African travel document, the Chadian passport provides limited but growing international mobility compared to stronger passports from developed nations. While Chad passport holders face significant visa requirements for most countries, recent years have shown gradual improvements in travel access, with visa-free destinations increasing from 41 in 2011 to 52 in 2025. Citizens planning international travel should verify visa requirements well in advance due to the passport's restricted global mobility status.

Global Rank

#90

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Chad passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

136

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Chadian Citizens

Popular destinations where Chad passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
Benin	Up to 90 days	BJ
Cameroon	Up to 90 days	CM
Central African Republic	Up to 90 days	CF
Republic of the Congo	Up to 90 days	CG
Côte d'Ivoire	Up to 90 days	CI

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Chad passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

27 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

23 countries

🔐 ETA Required

2 countries

Sri Lanka
Seychelles

💻 E-Visa

38 countries

❌ Visa Required

136 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Chad's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 15 positions from 2008 to 2025

Official Chad Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chad

🔗

U.S. Department of State - Chad Travel Advisory

🔗

UK Foreign Office - Chad Travel Advice

🔗

Global Affairs Canada - Chad Travel Advice

🔗

France Diplomatie - Chad

🔗

Australian DFAT - Chad Travel Advice

Compare Chad Passport with Other Passports

See how Chad's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Chad (You are here)	#90	52	28/100	42/100
Zimbabwe	#80	63	42/100	21/100
Mozambique	#82	61	28/100	18/100
Sao Tome and Principe	#82	61	45/100	19/100
Togo	#83	59	42/100	17/100
Senegal	#84	58	45/100	58/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Chadian passport holders can visit 52 countries without a prior visa. This includes 27 visa-free destinations (such as Singapore, Malaysia, Senegal, Kenya, and several ECOWAS member states), 23 visa-on-arrival destinations (including Madagascar, Cambodia, Maldives, and Ethiopia), and 2 electronic travel authorization destinations (Sri Lanka and Seychelles). The Chadian passport ranks 90th globally on the Henley Passport Index.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Chad's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Chad Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 52 Countries

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Benin

Up to 90 days

Cameroon

Up to 90 days

Central African Republic

Up to 90 days

Republic of the Congo

Up to 90 days

Côte d'Ivoire

Up to 90 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Chad's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 15 positions from 2008 to 2025

Compare Chad Passport with Other Passports

See how Chad's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Chad (You are here)	#90	52	28/100	42/100
Zimbabwe	#80	63	42/100	21/100
Mozambique	#82	61	28/100	18/100
Sao Tome and Principe	#82	61	45/100	19/100
Togo	#83	59	42/100	17/100
Senegal	#84	58	45/100	58/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Chad passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Chadian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Chad's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Official Chad Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Chad Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Chadian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which major countries require Chadian citizens to obtain a visa before travel?

Can Chadian passport holders travel to other African countries visa-free?

Is military service mandatory for Chadian passport applicants?

What documents are required to apply for a Chadian passport?

How long does it take to get a Chadian passport and what is the cost?

Can Chadian passport holders work in ECOWAS countries without a work permit?

Which countries offer e-visas to Chadian passport holders?

Is the Chadian passport biometric and does it meet ICAO standards?

Can Chadian citizens travel to Europe with their passport?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Chad passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Chadian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Chad's passport ranking progression from 2008 to 2025

Official Chad Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Chad Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Chadian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Which major countries require Chadian citizens to obtain a visa before travel?

Can Chadian passport holders travel to other African countries visa-free?

Is military service mandatory for Chadian passport applicants?

What documents are required to apply for a Chadian passport?

How long does it take to get a Chadian passport and what is the cost?

Can Chadian passport holders work in ECOWAS countries without a work permit?

Which countries offer e-visas to Chadian passport holders?

Is the Chadian passport biometric and does it meet ICAO standards?

Can Chadian citizens travel to Europe with their passport?

Explore More Passport Rankings