Chad is transitioning to a fully electronic visa system. From 11th May 2026, all new visa applications for the Central African nation must be submitted exclusively through the official e-visa portal at evisa.td. The announcement was formally issued by Chad’s e-Visa Sub-Directorate under the Ministry of Public Security and Immigration on 8th May 2026.
The portal has been available since December 2024, but it is now the only approved channel for visa processing. Manual applications and older application methods are no longer accepted for new requests.
What Travellers Can Do Through the E-Visa Portal
- Begin and complete a visa application online
- Upload all required documents digitally
- Pay visa fees online
- Track application status in real time
The system supports both single-entry and multiple-entry visas, depending on the visa category requested and the authorisation granted.
Legal Basis for the Change
The mandatory e-visa rollout is backed by two official instruments:
- Ruling No. 2299/PR/PM/MSPI/2025
- Joint Order No. 033/PR/PMFBEPC/MSPI/2026
Authorities state the system is designed to streamline processing, improve security screening, and strengthen applicant data management.
Diplomatic and Courtesy Visas Are Exempt
Diplomatic and courtesy visas remain outside the scope of the e-visa system. These continue to be processed by Chadian embassies and diplomatic missions abroad under the authority of Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For all standard tourists, business travellers, and general international visitors, the evisa.td portal is now the only pathway to entry authorisation.
Critical Deadline: 21st May 2026
Chad has established a short transition window. Visas issued before the online-only system took effect remain valid until their expiry date. However, after 21st May 2026, any visa issued outside the official evisa.td portal will no longer be accepted for entry into Chad. Manual entry permits have also been indefinitely suspended.
Travellers must not attempt to use unofficial visa channels or outdated application processes after this date — they will not be honoured at the border.
Key Facts for Travellers Planning to Visit Chad
- All new visa applications must be submitted electronically from 11th May 2026
- The official and only accepted application platform is evisa.td
- Diplomatic and courtesy visas are exempt from the online system
- Visas issued before the transition remain valid until their stated expiry date
- Visas issued outside the official portal become invalid for entry after 21st May 2026
- Manual entry permits are no longer accepted
Conclusion
Chad’s move to a fully mandatory e-visa system is a significant modernisation of its entry process — and one that requires immediate awareness from anyone planning to visit. If you have an existing visa issued through the old system, check your expiry date carefully. If you are planning a new trip, apply exclusively through evisa.td and do so well in advance of your travel date to allow adequate processing time. Do not use any other channel — visas issued outside the official portal will be rejected at the border after 21st May 2026.