Chad has made online applications compulsory for all visa requests as the government moves to fully digitise its immigration system and tighten control over entry procedures.
Authorities said all travellers seeking visas for Chad must now apply exclusively through the official eVisa Chad platform, evisa.td, from May 11.
The reform forms part of broader efforts by African governments to modernise border management systems and simplify travel procedures through digital platforms.
In a statement issued by the Sub-Directorate of E-Visa under the Ministry of Public Security and Immigration, authorities said the online portal would become the sole channel for processing visa applications, except for diplomatic and courtesy visas.
Those categories will continue to be handled by Chadian embassies and diplomatic missions abroad.
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The eVisa platform, operational since December 2024, was introduced under Decree No. 2299/PR/PM/MSPI/2025 and a joint order issued in 2026 governing entry and residence conditions for foreign nationals.
Officials said the new system is intended to centralise visa processing, improve security and reduce administrative delays associated with manual procedures.
The government has also permanently abolished manual entry authorisations as part of the reform.
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Authorities announced a short transition period for travellers already holding visas issued outside the digital platform.
According to the government, visas granted before implementation of the mandatory online system will remain valid until their expiration dates.
However, from May 21, 2026, any visa issued outside the eVisa system will automatically become invalid and travellers carrying such documents will be denied entry into the country.
The move places Chad among a growing number of African states adopting fully digital visa systems in recent years as governments seek to improve efficiency, strengthen border controls and encourage tourism and investment.
Countries including Rwanda, Kenya and Ghana have already introduced electronic visa platforms and online immigration services.
Many African governments accelerated digital reforms after the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the importance of contactless administrative systems and electronic travel management.
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Analysts say digital visa systems can help reduce corruption, improve data collection and streamline processing times for travellers and immigration authorities.
However, challenges remain in some countries where internet access, digital literacy and technical infrastructure continue to limit the effectiveness of online government services.
Chad, one of the largest countries in central Africa, has in recent years sought to modernise several public administration services despite economic and security challenges.
The country faces ongoing security concerns linked to instability in the wider Sahel region and neighbouring Sudan, factors that have increased pressure on authorities to strengthen border management and migration controls.
Officials have urged travellers to ensure all applications are submitted through the official platform before travelling to avoid disruptions at entry points.
The government has not yet indicated whether additional immigration reforms or new digital border measures will be introduced later this year.
