From the lunar landscapes of the Ennedi Massif to the incredible wildlife recovery in Zakouma National Park and the vibrant cultural hub of N'Djamena, the Republic of Chad offers a truly unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure. For Ethiopian travelers, this vast Central African nation is a close neighbor with growing business and travel ties.

But before you can explore the "Dead Heart of Africa," there's a critical administrative step: getting your visa.

The good news is that Chad has introduced an eVisa system, moving the application process online. The bad news? It's one of the most specific and time-consuming eVisa applications in the world.

This guide will walk you through every step, explaining the two most important—and mandatory—hurdles for Chad eVisa from Ethiopian Citizens: the "Invitation letter from Chad Travel Agency" and the 20-25 working day processing time.

Do Ethiopian Citizens Need a Visa for Chad?

Yes, absolutely. This is the most important point to clarify. Ethiopian passport holders must obtain a valid visa before traveling to Chad for any purpose, including tourism, business, or family visits.

Is There a Visa on Arrival in Chad for Ethiopians?

No. This is a critical risk. You cannot fly from Addis Ababa to N'Djamena and expect to get a visa on arrival. The eVisa system is the official and mandatory channel for pre-approval.

Airlines will check for a valid visa or eVisa approval letter at Bole International Airport (ADD) before allowing you to board. Do not risk your flight by traveling without a pre-approved visa.

Chad eVisa Processing Time

This is the first major hurdle you must plan for. As the Chad eVisa application shows, the "Normal Processing" time is 20-25 Working Days.

Let's be perfectly clear about what this means:

  • Working Days do not include weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
  • This also excludes any Chadian or Ethiopian public holidays.
  • This means the minimum time you will wait for your visa is 4 to 5 full weeks.

Our advice: You must apply for your Chad eVisa at least 1.5 to 2 months before your intended travel date. This is not a last-minute trip.

Chad eVisa "Invitation Letter from Chad Travel Agency"

This is the second, and most complex, mandatory requirement shown on the eVisa. You cannot submit your application without it.

What is this Invitation Letter (LOI)?

An Invitation Letter (LOI) is an official, legalized document provided by a licensed and registered tour operator or travel agency based in Chad. It is not a simple hotel booking confirmation.

This letter essentially means the Chadian agency is sponsoring your visit and is your point of contact in the country.

How to Get the Invitation Letter from Ethiopia

You must obtain this letter before you start your eVisa application.

  1. Research Licensed Agencies: You must contact a travel agency in Chad. You cannot get this from an Ethiopian travel agency.
  2. Request the LOI: You will need to provide them with a copy of your passport, your intended travel dates, and a general itinerary.
  3. Pay the Fee: The Chadian agency will charge a fee for this service, which is separate from the eVisa fee. This cost can vary.
  4. Receive the Letter: The agency will process the letter (which may involve them registering it with local authorities) and then email a scanned copy to you.

Only when you have this official, signed letter can you proceed with your online eVisa application.

How to Apply for the Chad eVisa from Ethiopia

Once you have your Invitation Letter and all your other documents, the online application is a matter of data entry.

  1. Fill in the Form: Complete the Chad eVisa application form with your personal details, passport information, and details from your invitation letter.
  2. Select Your "Reason for Travel": The Chad eVisa provides a comprehensive list, including "TOURISM," "BUSINESS," "FAMILY," "CONFERENCE," "STUDIES," etc. Choose the one that matches your invitation letter.
  3. Upload Your Documents: This is the most important part. You will upload all the required files.
  4. Pay the eVisa Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
  5. Wait (and Wait): This is when the 20-25 working day processing time begins.
  6. Receive Your eVisa: Once approved, your eVisa will be emailed to you as a PDF. You must print this in color and carry it with you.
Chad eVisa Requirements for Ethiopian Citizens Based on the Chad eVisa application, you must have the following documents ready to upload:
  1. Passport Bio Page: A clear, color scan of your Ethiopian passport's information page. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Chad.
  2. Applicant Photo: A recent, passport-style digital photo.
  3. Proof of Accommodation: This can be your hotel reservations for your stay.
  4. Proof of Travel: Your confirmed round-trip flight itinerary.
  5. Invitation Letter from Chad Travel Agency: The mandatory, legalized letter you already obtained.
What is the Official Chad eVisa Website?

To avoid scams, it is critical to use the one and only official government portal. Be wary of third-party sites that look official but are just intermediaries. The official site is:

www.evisa.td

How Long is the Chad eVisa Valid For?

This is the one great benefit of the Chad eVisa. As the application shows, the standard visa issued is an:

e-Visa - 90 Days, Multiple entry

This is an excellent, flexible visa. It means:

  • Validity: You have 90 days (3 months) from the date of issue to use the visa.
  • Entry Type: It is a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to enter, leave (perhaps to a neighboring country like Cameroon or Nigeria), and re-enter Chad within that 90-day period.
How Much Does the Chad eVisa Cost?

The cost of the Chad eVisa can change, but you must pay it online during the application. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Remember to budget for two separate costs:

  1. The LOI Fee: Paid to the Chadian travel agency.
  2. The eVisa Fee: Paid to the Chadian government on the evisa.td website.
What are the Chad eVisa Photo Requirements?

To avoid rejection, your "Applicant Photo" must meet standard passport photo requirements:

  • Format: A digital file (JPG or PNG).
  • Background: Plain white or light-colored background.
  • Recent: Taken within the last 6 months.
  • View: Full-face, neutral expression, looking directly at the camera.
  • Rules: No hats, sunglasses, or shadows on your face.
What is the "Reason for Travel"?

The application form asks you to be specific about your trip. The dropdown menu includes a wide variety of options for all types of travelers, including:

  • AIRPORT TRANSIT
  • BUSINESS
  • CONFERENCE
  • CULTURE
  • FAMILY
  • HEALTH
  • STUDIES
  • TOURISM
  • VISIT

You must select the one that matches the purpose stated on your Invitation Letter.

Where is the Chad Embassy in Addis Ababa?

For Ethiopian citizens, there is an Embassy of the Republic of Chad in Addis Ababa. This is a great resource if you have questions or need a visa type not offered by the eVisa system (like a long-term work visa).

However, for all short-term travel (tourism, business), the eVisa is the standard process, and you do not need to visit the embassy.

The Other Mandatory Requirement: Yellow Fever Certificate

This is non-negotiable. Chad is a Yellow Fever risk country. All travelers over 9 months of age must have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (the "Yellow Card").

You must get this vaccination in Ethiopia at least 10 days before your flight. You will be asked to show this yellow card:

  1. By the airline at check-in in Addis Ababa.
  2. By health officials when you land at N'Djamena International Airport (NDJ).

Without this certificate, you will be denied boarding or denied entry.

What to Expect on Arrival at N'Djamena (NDJ) Airport

Your eVisa is an "approval," not the visa itself. When you land, the process is simple:

  1. Health Check: First, you will show your Yellow Fever card.
  2. Immigration: Proceed to the immigration counter.
  3. Present Documents: Give the officer your Ethiopian passport and your printed color copy of the Chad eVisa approval letter.

The officer will verify your eVisa in their system, stamp your passport, and welcome you to Chad. It is also wise to have your invitation letter and hotel bookings in your carry-on, just in case.

People Also Ask (FAQ for Ethiopian Travelers)Q: What happens if my eVisa application is rejected?

A: The eVisa fee is non-refundable. A rejection is almost always due to an incorrect document (e.g., a bad photo, a missing invitation letter). You would need to fix the mistake and re-apply (and pay the fee again), which is why getting the application right the first time is so important.

Q: Do children from Ethiopia need a separate eVisa for Chad?

A: Yes. Every individual, regardless of age, must have their own eVisa. This includes infants and children. You must complete a separate application for your child, using their passport.

QS: Is Chad safe for tourists?

A: Chad has complex security considerations, and some border regions are not safe for travel. However, N'Djamena and organized tours to key destinations like Zakouma National Park are generally considered safe for tourists who follow precautions. Always check the latest travel advisories from your government before booking.

Q: Do I need a transit visa for Chad?

A: Yes. As the application shows, "AIRPORT TRANSIT" is a specific reason for travel. Even if you are just transiting, you must apply for a visa. You cannot transit visa-free.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Your Chadian Adventure

For Ethiopian citizens, traveling to Chad is an exciting prospect, but it requires serious advance planning. The eVisa system is your key, but it is locked behind two major requirements:

  1. The Invitation Letter: You must get this from a Chadian travel agency before you apply.
  2. The 20-25 Working Day Wait: You must apply at least 1.5 to 2 months before your flight.

By securing your Yellow Fever vaccine, getting your Invitation Letter, and applying with patience, you will be one of the few to successfully navigate the process. The reward is an unforgettable journey into one of the most remote and rewarding destinations on the African continent.