How to Apply for a Chad Visa in Kansas City

The north-central African nation of Chad is not a common destination for casual tourists from Kansas City and the Midwest -- even with considerable natural attractions and cultural treasures. “Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, Chad is home to a variety of ecosystems, ranging from deserts to savannas to wetlands, making it a treasure trove for nature lovers ,” according to the travel site Mister Story (https://www.misterstory.com/p/discovering-the-natural-wonders-of-chad-a-journey-through-its-diverse-ecosystems/). “Chad is a country with a rich and diverse natural landscape that is waiting to be discovered.”

The Republic of Chad is the fifth-largest country by size in Africa yet ranks 18th in population at 18.3 million.  The landlocked nation is bordered by Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Libya, Nigeria, Niger, and Sudan.  The country is home to some 200 ethnic and linguistic groups.  Its official languages are Arabic and French, while the main religions are Islam (55%) and Christianity (41%).  Conquered by France in 1920 and merged into the colony of French Equatorial Africa colony, Chad gained its independence in 1960.

However, like several other countries in this part of Africa, the Republic of Chad remains beset by political turmoil and violence.  It can be a dangerous place best visited by experienced, adventurous travelers -- or those with family or friends there. “Reconsider travel to Chad due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping,” the U.S. State Department recommends in its current advisory (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Chad.html). “Violent crimes, such as armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and muggings, have occurred in Chad.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting foreigners, local security forces, and civilians.” The department adds visitors should not travel to the Lake Chad area because of terrorism, or to the country’s borders with the Central African Republic, Libya, and Sudan due to armed conflict and minefields.

Despite those challenges, several foreign investors and exporters have found success doing business in Chad, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. “With rich natural resources, minimally developed agriculture and meat processing sectors, ample sunshine, increasing telecommunications coverage, and a rapidly growing population, Chad represents an opportunity for targeted engagement in key sectors.” (https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/chad-market-overview)  Opportunities for Kansas City-based businesspeople include oil exploration, power generation and distribution, mining, livestock, agribusiness, and infrastructure.

Oil and agriculture are the major drivers in the economy, with oil generating most of the government’s revenues.  The department added, “U.S. companies should consider exporting to Chad due to a strong appreciation for the quality of U.S. goods and services, an undersaturated market, a young and growing population, and first-mover potential in many sectors.”

N’Djamena, the capital, largest city, and economic hub of Chad, is home to 10% of its population.  The port city was founded at the confluence of the Logone and Chari rivers as For-Lamy by the French military in 1900.  N’Djamena has since developed into a major regional trading center.  Top attractions in the city for visitors from Kansas City include the Al-Mouna Cultural Center, Chad National Museum, the Presidential Palace, Our Lady of Peace Cathedral, and the stunning Grande Mosequee N’Djamena.  Bustling Grand Marche is one of several markets selling Chadian cuisine, local crafts, and souvenirs.  The historic quarter features a vibrant daily market offering local rugs, colorful jewelry, and accessories.  Explore the Avenue Charles de Gaulle to see French colonial homes and embassies.  A stroll along the banks of the Chari River reveals its famous breathtaking sunsets.

A day trip from N’Djamena to the Guelta d’Archei takes you to stunning rock formations where wild camels and desert foxes live.  But most natural wonders are further afield.  Hiking the Ennedi Plateau in northeastern Chad brings you face-to-face with towering cliffs, deep canyons, arches, and ancient rock paintings.  In the southwest, a boat tour or hike around the Bahl-el-Ghazal wetlands reveal such bird species as the African spoonbill and the fulvous whistling duck.  Hike the desert oasis of Guelta d’Archei in the northern region to see elephants, gazelles, and baboons in their natural habitat.

Chad also boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites, both located in the Sahara Desert.  The Lakes of Ounianga are 18 interconnected salt and freshwater lakes, while the Ennedi Massif is a plateau with cliffs, arches, canyons, caves, and thousands of painted and carved images.  The republic also had six national parks, with Zakouma considered the most popular tourist attraction in Chad. “It is common to see large herds of giraffes, lions, wildebeests, primates, and elephants roaming freely,” iExplore noted (https://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/africa/chad/attractions).  Another top nature preserve is Bahr Salamat Faunal Reserve, a wetlands conservation area with Nile crocodiles, antelopes and ostriches.

Despite its former French colonial glory that created glamorous hotels that remain, visitors can be challenged to find accommodations. “There are several good hotels in N’Djamena,” according to the World Travel Guide (https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/chad/region-hotels/). “but accommodations elsewhere are limited.  There are some small hotels in Sarh {third largest city in Chad), a modern hotel complex in Zakouma National Park, and various small hunting hotels in the southwest.” Safaris to wildlife preserves and the Sahara Desert offer less luxurious quarters.

Chad Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States and most other countries living in the Kansas City area are required to obtain a visa before they can enter Chad.  The country also requires that visitors provide proof of yellow fever vaccination (i.e., a WHO yellow card), according to travel information from the U.S. State Department (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Chad.html).  Residents of eight African nations can enter with just a passport or waiver, as detailed at https://www.chadembassy.us/services-4.

The primary requirement to obtain a visitor visa is that your passport be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and contain two adjacent blank pages.  If your passport expires within six months, you will need to renew it before applying.

Visas are issued by the Chad Embassy in Washington, D.C.  The process to obtain a visa includes:

  • Printing out and completing the embassy’s visa application form, which can be found at https://www.chadembassy.us/_files/ugd/43d3d1_eae66383e17e414a8a2707a32c664110.pdf
  • Attaching a passport-sized photograph.
  • For business travelers, providing an attestation from your employer stating the reason for travel and your department date from the United States.
  • Providing a letter of invitation, if required for certain other visas.
  • Have a round trip ticket or confirmation of arrangements from a travel agency.
  • Health Insurance. Although not required for the visa, we recommend purchasing international medical insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses while traveling in Chad.  International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒ Order Now.

 

Normal visa processing time is one week.  Payments can only be made with a money order or cashier’s check.  Processing fees are:

  • 3-month single entry visa: $150
  • 3-month multiple entry: $200
  • 6-month multiple entry: $250

You can submit your application in person to the Chad embassy or by mail. The embassy is located at 2401 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20008.  Hours for dropping off and picking up visa documentation are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12: 45 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Bring your passport, completed application, payment, and any supporting documentation when you travel to the embassy.

If you decide to mail your application from Kansas City, remember to include your original passport in the package along with the other documentation listed above.  Include a prepaid return label and envelope from FedEx, UPS, or USPS.  All incoming and outgoing return labels must have a tracking number.

First-time tourists and humanitarian/aid workers will also need to register with the National Policy within 72 hours of arrival.  Bring two additional passport-size photos to registration.  Returning tourists who have been issued a new passport since their last trip will also have to register again.

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

Visa Supply can help you complete your application for any of these visas and answer your questions about visiting Chad.  We also provide courier service to deliver your application and pick up your visa from the embassy in Washington, D.C.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the government of Chad.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

If you live in Kansas City or anywhere in the state of Missouri or Kansas and have difficulty applying for a Chad visa, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Chad visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents. 

We provide the following Chad visa services for our customers in Kansas City:

  • Chad Tourist Visa
  • Chad Business Visa
  • Chad Official Visa
  • Chad Missionary Visa
  • Chad Hotel Accommodations