Chad

Formalities

The visa, step by step

Visa-free

Allowed stay

90 days

Cost

Free

Processing

Immediate (on arrival)

How to apply

No visa needs to be obtained in advance for an ordinary Cameroonian passport. Entry is granted directly at N'Djamena airport or at land borders. Show a passport valid for 6 months, an international yellow fever vaccination certificate and, ideally, proof of accommodation and a return ticket. On arrival, registration with the national police within 72 hours may be required (bring 2 ID photos).

Required documents

Cameroonian passport valid at least 6 months beyond the return date
International yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)
2 ID photos (white background) for possible registration
Proof of accommodation (hotel or invitation) recommended
Return ticket and proof of sufficient funds recommended

Good to know

•Chad and Cameroon belong to CEMAC, whose free-movement framework eases entry for Cameroonians.
•Registration with the national police within 72 hours of arrival may be requested.
•The visa waiver covers tourism and visits, not work.
•Confirm up-to-date conditions with the Chadian embassy in Yaoundé before departure, as rules may change.

How much it costs

A one-week budget

Backpacker

270 000 FCFA

/ week, excl. flight

Comfort

660 000 FCFA

/ week, excl. flight

Round-trip flight from Douala / Yaoundé

192 000 FCFA–390 000 FCFA

Direct flight to N'Djamena (NDJ) from Douala or Yaoundé in about 2 hours with Camair-Co, Asky, Ethiopian or EgyptAir. It's one of the shortest and cheapest international routes out of Cameroon.

Indicative round-trip price: it varies widely by season, layover and how early you book.

Where the money goes (backpacker estimate)

🏨210 000 FCFA

🍽️90 000 FCFA

🚕72 000 FCFA

🎟️168 000 FCFA

Hostel

9 000 FCFA–24 000 FCFA

Mid-range

36 000 FCFA–78 000 FCFA

Nice hotel

90 000 FCFA–198 000 FCFA

Tailored

Budget simulator

Duration (days)Travelers

Comfort level

Include flight

Estimated total budget

462 000 FCFA

Must-sees

What to do there

1

The Lakes of Ounianga (UNESCO)

In the heart of the Sahara, a dozen blue and turquoise lakes survive in the open desert, listed as World Heritage. Reachable only by an organised 4x4 expedition from N'Djamena, it's one of Africa's most spectacular landscapes.

2

Safari in Zakouma National Park

About 860 km southeast of the capital, Zakouma is a preserved Sahelian ecosystem managed by African Parks: elephants, lions, giraffes and thousands of birds, with very few visitors. Game drives and guided walks from Tinga Camp.

3

Wander through N'Djamena

The capital, set on the Chari River, blends a bustling central market, the colonial-lined Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle, the grand mosque and the National Museum. A true immersion in Sahelian life.

4

Gaoui village and the Sao civilisation

About ten kilometres from N'Djamena, this village of painted mud houses holds a small museum dedicated to the ancient Sao civilisation, with pottery and archaeological remains.

5

The Ennedi Plateau

Further north, a maze of canyons, sandstone arches and millennia-old rock art (also UNESCO). The Guelta d'Archei and its desert crocodiles are a legendary stop on the great expeditions.

6

Sunset over the Chari

At day's end, the banks of the Chari River in N'Djamena offer a peaceful scene: fishing pirogues, birds and golden light, far from the bustle of the centre.

Itinerary

One week, day by day

D1
Arrival in N'Djamena, settle in and first taste of the capital
D2
N'Djamena: National Museum, grand mosque, central market and Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle
D3
Excursion to Gaoui village and the Sao civilisation, back to the city
D4
Departure for Zakouma National Park (charter flight or road with an operator)
D5
Zakouma: morning and evening game drives, elephant and wildlife viewing
D6
Zakouma: guided walk with a ranger, birds and final safaris
D7
Return to N'Djamena, market shopping and flight back to Cameroon

✓