Chad

General Visa Requirements:

International film crews can apply for visa application by phoning the Chad embassy directly, alternatively visa application can be made on the spot at the airport, there is a visa service at the airport. Hoodlum provides assistance at the airport with visas as well as getting filming equipment through customs.

Required Documents:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity, with at least 2 blank pages).
Completed visa application form (online for e-Visa or paper for embassy/consulate applications).
Recent passport-sized photographs (usually 2, with a white background).
Travel itinerary (flight booking or travel schedule).
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter from a host).
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or sponsor letter; around USD 50/day recommended).
Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for entry).
Entry Authorization letter (if applying for visa on arrival).
Visa fee payment receipt (amount varies by visa type).

Visa Application Process:

Visit this link to get a visa to Chad: here.

Processing Time:

See below

Cost:

Single Entry (up to 30 days): $300, 7 business days and Single Entry (up to 30 days): $390, next business day

Accreditation Requirements:

Visa: Obtain a valid Visa
Invitation Letter: From the Chadian Ministry of Communication or hosting organization
Film Permit: From the Chadian Ministry of Communication (for filming activities)

Required Documents:

Crew List
Equipment List
ID and Passport Copies
Proof of Professional Accreditation
Insurance Certificate

Processing Time:

2-5 Business days

Cost:

$85-$170

Issuing Organization:

Ministry of Communication (Ministère de la Communication)

Required Documents:

Film Script / Synopsis
Crew List
Equipment List
Location Schedule
Letter of Intent

Processing Time:

2-5 Business days

Cost:

$85-$340

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Filming on private property in Chad — whether in a hotel, cultural site, village compound, or privately-owned landscape, requires a slightly different approach than public filming. Unlike government-controlled spaces, private locations often involve direct negotiation with the property owner or custodian. Permissions are usually easier to secure than state permits, but they still need to be handled formally and respectfully.

When shooting on private land, you’ll typically need:

A location release agreement signed by the property owner.
Proof of crew insurance and liability coverage.
A clear explanation of the scope of filming (dates, times, crew size, equipment).
Respect for local traditions, communities, and any site-specific restrictions.

Because Chad is culturally diverse, with many locations tied to community leaders or tribal authorities, securing access often requires building trust and providing assurances about how filming will be conducted.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location fees: $1,000–$3,000 per day

Drone Regulations:

Obtain prior authorization from the Chadian Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) and the Ministry of Defense before operating a drone. Register your drone with the CCAA.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Obtain permits for commercial drone use from the local aviation authority. Ensure compliance with customs regulations for importing drone equipment; it’s advised to contact customs prior to arrival. Register drones with the Chadian Civil Aviation Authority.

Permit Issuance:

Permits are issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Chad (ADAC)

Timing:

Permit processing takes 2-4 Weeks.

Cost:

$80-$160

Carnet Status:

Yes, Chad is a Carnet country.

General Process for a Garnet Country:

Obtain a Carnet.
Prepare Carnet documents.
Present Carnet at export country customs.
Use Carnet for temporary import at entry point in Chad.
Re-export goods after filming.
Return Carnet to the issuing organization.

Required Documents:

Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD).
Commercial invoice.
Packing list.
Proof of ownership.
Customs declaration form.

Issuing Organization:

Chadian Customs Administration (Direction Générale des Douanes)

Timing:

Average processing time: 2–5 working days (approximately 48–120 hours).

Cost:

5–20% of equipment value (depending on assessment).

General Overview:

Filming in Chad presents high safety risks due to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Crews must adopt robust security and health measures at all times.

Security Requirements:

Consult with international and local security experts.
Engage local guides and fixers.
Monitor government travel advisories.
Provide crew safety and security training.

Rebates/Incentives:

Rebate Amount: Up to 20% of qualifying production expenses.

Eligible Expenses:

Location fees
Crew and cast expenses
Equipment rental
Accommodation and transportation

Qualifying Productions

Feature films
Documentaries
TV series
Commercials

Minimum Spend: USD $100,000 (approx. 60 million XAF).

Additional Incentives

VAT Exemption: 18% VAT exemption on production expenses.
Customs Duty Exemption: Waiver of customs duties on equipment and materials.
Streamlined Customs Clearance: Expedited clearance for equipment and materials.

Application Process

Submit application to Chad’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Provide detailed budget and production schedule.
Meet eligibility criteria and minimum spend requirement.
Receive approval and sign rebate agreement.

Rebate Payment

Payment is made after completion of production and submission of audited accounts.
Typical payment timeframe: 6–12 months after production completion.

Contact Information

Ministry of Culture and Tourism: +235 22 51 31 31
Chad Film Commission: +235 22 51 32 32
Email: chadfilmcommission@chad.gov

Regional Film Incentives

CEMAC Region (Central African Economic and Monetary Community): Offers additional incentives for co-productions.

Introduction

Hoodlum Film Fixers is your trusted partner for filming in Chad, a land untapped African storytelling opportunity. From the rolling dunes of the Sahara to the vibrant cityscapes of Abeche and Moundou, Chad offers an unparalleled canvas for creative projects. Our experienced team provides end-to-end production support, ensuring your shoot runs smoothly in this captivating yet challenging destination.

Navigating Chad’s unique filming environment requires expertise. Whether securing permits through HAMAS, handling equipment customs clearance, or managing drone regulations with the Civil Aviation Authority, we streamline the process to save you time and effort. We also specialize in location scouting, crew accreditation, and comprehensive safety planning, including partnerships with trusted local and international security providers.

At Hoodlum Film Fixers, we turn challenges into opportunities, delivering seamless logistics and local expertise so you can focus on bringing your vision to life. Ready to explore Chad’s stunning landscapes for your next production?

Contact us today to start planning your project and discover the Hoodlum Film Fixers difference.

Main Cities

Consider filming in these key cities: Goz Beida, Abeche, Moundou, Sarh, Am Timan, Koumra, Bardai, Kelo, and Doba. Each location provides distinctive backdrops and urban vibes to amplify the raw, edgy tone of the narrative.

Bordering Countries

Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest (via a short border), and Niger to the west. These bordering countries add rich regional context and potential cross-border intrigue to the storyline.

Local Languages

French and Modern Standard Arabic are the official languages.

Local Currency

Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

Weather and Filming Seasons

The best time to film in Chad is during the dry season, from December to April, when low humidity, minimal rainfall, and clear skies create ideal conditions for outdoor shoots.

Visa Requirements

General Process

Eligibility Check:

Verify if online application is available.

Gather Required Documents:

Valid Passport (minimum six months validity).
Completed Visa Application Form.
Recent Passport-Sized Photo.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Invitation Letter from Chadian Ministry of Communication or host organization.

Application Submission:

Online via Visa HQ or in person at the nearest embassy.

Timings

Varies based on the processing country.

Cost

Refer to the Chadian Embassy in your country of residence.

International Crew Accreditation

General accreditation requirements

Required and processes with film permit

Required Documentation

Crew List
Equipment List
ID and Passport Copies
Proof of Professional Accreditation
Insurance Certificate

Timings and Cost

Film permits in Chad are aligned with the project timelines, ensuring a smooth process, and the cost of the permit typically includes all necessary fees for shooting.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organization

HAMAS (Haute Autorité des Médias)

Timings

5–10 days, it is recommended to apply 3 weeks before shooting to account for procedural delays.

Required Documentation

Film Script / Synopsis
Crew List
Equipment List
Location Schedule
Letter of Intent

Cost

$500–$1,000 depending on the project type.

Drone Permit

Drone Regulations

Obtain prior authorization from the Chadian Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) and the Ministry of Defense before operating a drone.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Issuing Authority:

Permits are issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Chad (ADAC).

Required Documentation for Local Drone Use Application:

· Film Crew Information

· Drone Operator Information

· Drone Specifications

· Filming Details

· Permit Application Documents

Required Documentation for Drone Importation Application:

· Production company name and contact details

· Project title and description

· Drone make, model, and serial number

· Value and proof of ownership

· Commercial invoice

· Packing list

· Bill of lading or airway bill

· Proof of customs clearance for equipment

Timing:

Permit processing takes 5 to 10 days.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Carnet Status

Chad is a Carnet country.

Process

For Carnet countries, present the Carnet at customs for temporary equipment importation, and ensure goods are re-exported before returning the Carnet to the issuing organization.

Timings and Cost

2–5 working days.

Cost:

5–20% of equipment value.

Issuing Organization

Chadian Customs Administration.

Safety and Security

Filming in Chad requires careful attention to safety due to risks such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, petty theft, and corruption, as well as health concerns like malaria, yellow fever, heat exposure, and dust-related illnesses. Avoid conflict zones near the borders with Libya, Sudan, and the Central African Republic, and work with local security firms to conduct thorough risk assessments. Essential security measures include personal, vehicle, and location security, along with communication and medical contingency plans. Reliable security providers include Chadian Security Services, international firms like Control Risks and GardaWorld, and embassy-recommended options.